Senior Category Manager

Aston Carter•Knoxville, TN

2d•$140,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven leader to direct a $400M grocery business across more than 650 retail locations in 42 states. The role is responsible for category strategy, sales growth, profitability, supplier partnerships, and operational excellence across grocery and non-food product categories. The ideal candidate brings expertise in category management, merchandising, supplier negotiations, inventory planning, and P&L management, along with experience leading teams and delivering measurable results in a large-scale retail environment. This is a contract-to-hire position based fully onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee. The stated pay range is $140,000–$175,000 per hour. Individual compensation depends on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity. Subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental and vision coverage; critical illness, accident and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a health spending account; transportation benefits; an employee assistance program; and time off or leave.

Requirements

Extensive experience in category management, merchandising, or retail buying leadership.
Proven success managing large-scale retail business units with full P&L responsibility.
Strong experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, inventory planning and forecasting, data-driven decision-making, merchandising strategy, retail operations, budget management, and market analysis.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Senior or executive leadership experience; 10+ years preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field.
Experience with large national retail chains, grocery retailers, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) organizations.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate business insights into strategic action.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction, financial performance, and operational success of a $400M grocery business.
Manage multiple product categories, including snacks, candy, frozen foods, shelf-stable products, health and beauty, and non-food merchandise.
Own category P&L performance, including budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, sales growth, and profitability.
Develop and execute annual and long-term merchandising strategies, assortment plans, pricing initiatives, and promotional programs.
Partner with more than 110 suppliers and distribution partners to negotiate contracts, drive category growth, optimize space allocation, and improve business performance.
Build and maintain relationships with key CPG manufacturers and industry partners.
Lead, coach, and develop merchandising professionals through performance management, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, and Loyalty teams to execute enterprise-wide objectives.
Analyze market trends, customer insights, and business performance data to identify growth opportunities and improve category results.
Ensure regulatory compliance while managing promotional funding, supplier agreements, and merchandising initiatives.
Resolve complex business and operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.