Category Manager

Description

Job Title: Category Manager 

Department: Purchasing 

Reports To: Director of Purchasing / Senior Category Manager 

Location: Middletown, MD 

Employment Type: Full-Time 

Pay Range: $21.00 - $26.00

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to join our dynamic Purchasing Team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the procurement and category management of fresh produce. Your main focus will be to ensure the consistent availability of high-quality products, negotiate and source with local farmers and vendors, analyze market trends, and drive category performance to meet sales and margin goals.

Key Responsibilities:

· Category Strategy & Planning

o Develop and deploy weekly produce menus with a focus on seasonal and locally available produce.

o Develop and execute category strategies that align with company goals and customer needs.

o Conduct market analysis to identify trends, seasonal opportunities, and competitive positioning.

o Define assortment strategies, product mix, and pricing plans for produce.

· Vendor Management

o Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, distributors, and suppliers.

o Negotiate pricing, terms, and promotional deals to maximize value and profitability.

o Evaluate vendor performance and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and sustainability standards.

· Purchasing & Inventory

o Collaborate with the supply chain and operations teams to manage inventory levels and reduce spoilage.

o Monitor and adjust procurement plans based on demand forecasts, seasonality, and market conditions.

o Ensure timely and accurate purchasing of all produce items.

· Performance Monitoring & Analysis

o Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including sales, margins, shrinkage, and vendor compliance.

o Use data and analytics to inform decision-making and improve category performance.

o Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration

o Work closely with merchandising, marketing, and store operations to ensure successful category execution.

o Support promotional planning and new product introductions.

o Train and educate internal teams on product specifications and seasonal variations.

Qualifications:

· Purchasing, Grocery, Food Service, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or a related field.

· 3–5 years of experience in produce procurement, category management, or supply chain, preferably in a retail or wholesale environment.

· Strong knowledge of fresh produce commodities, seasonality, sourcing regions, and quality standards and a passion for cooking.

· Proven negotiation and vendor management skills.

· Proficient in Microsoft Excel and category management software or ERP systems.

· Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

· Willingness to travel to vendor sites, distribution centers, or industry events as needed.

· A bachelor’s degree in business is a bonus but not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with sustainability initiatives or local sourcing programs.

· Familiarity with food safety certifications (e.g., GAP, GFSI).