Sr. Foodservice Category Manager
About The Position
The Sr. Category Manager – Foodservice is responsible for executing category growth initiatives across grain-based platforms including artisan breads, biscuits, gravy, English muffins, tortillas, buns and rolls, pizza crusts, cookies, and emerging grain-forward solutions. This role translates operator insights, distributor movement data, and industry trends into actionable programs that drive distribution, menu penetration, and profitable growth across broadline distributors, regional distributors, and multi-unit operators. This position works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Culinary, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure effective commercialization and execution across the Foodservice channel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Foodservice Category Management, Trade Marketing, Sales Strategy, or Distributor Management.
- Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software
- Advanced Excel skills
- Strong analytical experience with syndicated and distributor data.
- Execution-driven and operationally disciplined
- Strong understanding of foodservice product applications
- Ability to translate data into tactical field action and tool development
- Cross-functional collaboration and influence
- Financial and margin awareness
- Operator-focused mindset
- Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds (e.g., product samples, marketing materials, or trade show materials).
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with broadline distributors preferred.
- Power BI or Tableau experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Category Execution & Portfolio Management Execute growth initiatives across core grain-based platforms.
- Monitor distributor velocity, operator penetration, and menu placement trends.
- Identify assortment gaps and recommend SKU optimization.
- Support execution of national and regional chain menu rollouts.
- Lead item setup, and specification updates.
- Data Synthesis & Performance Tracking Analyze syndicated foodservice data and distributor movement reports.
- Track grain trends.
- Develop monthly performance dashboards focused on revenue, margin, distribution, and menu adoption.
- Translate insights into pricing, case pack optimization, and promotional adjustments.
- Distributor & Operator Support Create distributor-facing sell sheets and category opportunity decks.
- Support broker teams with execution tools and training materials.
- Assist Sales with data-backed operator presentations and quarterly business reviews.
- Monitor inventory turns and coordinate corrective actions for underperforming SKUs.
- Marketing & Culinary Alignment Partner with Marketing to align activation plans with trends and operator demand.
- Support LTOs and innovation launches.
- Provide feedback on packaging, pack sizes, and product specifications.
- Measure effectiveness of promotional programs and trade investments.
- Operational & Forecast Alignment Monitor fill rates and service levels across distributor networks.
- Assist with forecast adjustments tied to menu placements and contract wins.
- Financial & Commercial Accountability Track revenue, margin, and trade spend across grain-based categories.
- Support pricing strategy and contract execution for key operators.
- Build financial justification for innovation launches and distribution expansion.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- health and disability insurance
- retirement savings options
- flexible spending accounts
- employee assistance programs
- educational assistance
- parental leave
- paid time off
- company-paid holidays
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
