Stores Category Manager

Gordon Food Service•Wyoming, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Gordon Food Service is seeking a results-driven Category Manager for its Stores team. The role owns assigned product categories and develops strategies that shape product selection, pricing, competitiveness, profitability, and growth. The Category Manager partners with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and deliver products that meet evolving customer needs. The position combines business and financial analysis, category strategy, vendor negotiation, and collaboration. It includes developing category plans, managing assortment and product lifecycle decisions, monitoring performance, and communicating insights to stakeholders. The role may also involve leading, coaching, and developing team members.

Requirements

At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in category management, product management, merchandising, purchasing, buying, or a closely related business function.
Experience developing and executing strategies that improve sales, margins, profitability, or category performance.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial data, sales trends, and market insights to make informed business decisions.
Experience working with suppliers, managing vendor relationships, or negotiating business agreements.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic, results-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Previous experience in foodservice, grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related industry.
Understanding of product assortment planning, pricing strategies, vendor negotiations, and promotional planning.
Experience managing category budgets, financial performance, or profit-and-loss (P&L) responsibilities.
Experience leading projects, influencing cross-functional teams, or developing employees.
Terminal purchasing experience, depending on the assigned product category.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and product growth.
Build annual category plans aligned with company objectives and customer needs.
Manage product assortment, pricing, margins, promotions, and product lifecycle decisions.
Identify opportunities to improve category performance, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
Analyze sales performance, customer purchasing behavior, market trends, and competitive activity.
Use data and financial insights to develop pricing strategies, forecast demand, and identify growth opportunities.
Monitor key performance indicators and adjust strategies to achieve category goals.
Stay informed about emerging products, consumer preferences, and industry developments.
Build supplier partnerships that support product innovation, competitive pricing, and business growth.
Negotiate vendor costs, promotional support, marketing investments, and other business agreements.
Identify new products and supplier opportunities that differentiate Gordon Food Service Stores from competitors.
Partner with Marketing, Merchandising, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to execute category initiatives.
Work with regional leaders to understand store needs and develop business solutions.
Communicate category strategies, performance insights, and opportunities to key stakeholders.
Lead, coach, and develop team members, where applicable, to support department goals.