J Recruiting Services
Category Manager – Deli & Prepared Foods
Our client, a leading organization in the consumer goods and food industry, is seeking a passionate and strategic Category Manager to lead innovation, product assortment, pricing, merchandising, and vendor partnerships across assigned fresh and prepared food categories.
This role drives a consumer‑centric approach through trend‑forward strategy, culinary insights, and collaborative cross‑functional planning. By delivering exceptional product experiences and staying ahead of market trends, the Category Manager plays a key role in achieving financial objectives and advancing the company’s growth vision.
How You’ll Make an Impact Driving Growth & Innovation
Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that meet customer needs and deliver on financial goals
Curate and manage a relevant, data‑informed product assortment rooted in quality, value, and market opportunity
Lead the innovation pipeline for fresh and prepared food offerings in partnership with internal culinary and product development teams
Act as a thought leader for category trends, innovation, and competitive insights
Drive a consumer‑first approach through strategic assortment, merchandising, promotions, and pricing
Establish base and promotional pricing to support margin and volume goals
Identify and capitalize on opportunities through data analytics, consumer insights, and storytelling
Support expansion of private label or exclusive product assortments based on emerging trends and gaps in the market
Executing Operational Excellence
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including procurement, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams
Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve visibility, product availability, and executional consistency across all channels
Ensure inventory and supply plans align with category strategies and production timelines
Partner with marketing and commercial teams to enhance product visibility and promotional effectiveness
Champion a team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion
Lead vendor negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and service agreements
Identify cost‑saving opportunities and develop strategies to meet financial objectives
Conduct analysis of category performance, pricing, promotions, and market trends to guide strategic decisions
Collaborate with vendor and broker partners to activate category promotions and secure funding or marketing investments
Seek and negotiate exclusive or limited‑edition products that differentiate the brand in the marketplace
Maintain visibility into financial performance, inventory risks, and supply chain opportunities
Work closely with finance to ensure accuracy in forecasting and payments
What You’ll Need
A genuine passion for food, consumer trends, and innovation
5–8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles within consumer goods, manufacturing, or food production environments
Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organization and follow‑through
Demonstrated experience leading vendor relationships and negotiations
Knowledge of merchandising, category strategy, and product lifecycle management
Adaptable, collaborative, and solution‑oriented mindset
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Competitive compensation and benefits package
Strong organizational culture focused on growth, innovation, and team collaboration
Opportunities for professional development, recognition, and career advancement
A company that values creativity, data‑driven decision making, and meaningful product experiences
Confidentiality Disclaimer This is not the official job description for the position. It has been adjusted to protect the confidentiality of our client. A complete and official job description will be provided prior to any introduction or interview with the client.
Seniority level : Mid‑Senior level
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Management, Strategy/Planning, and Customer Service
Industries : Food and Beverage Retail, Retail, and Wholesale Food and Beverage
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Our client, a leading organization in the consumer goods and food industry, is seeking a passionate and strategic Category Manager to lead innovation, product assortment, pricing, merchandising, and vendor partnerships across assigned fresh and prepared food categories.
This role drives a consumer‑centric approach through trend‑forward strategy, culinary insights, and collaborative cross‑functional planning. By delivering exceptional product experiences and staying ahead of market trends, the Category Manager plays a key role in achieving financial objectives and advancing the company’s growth vision.
How You’ll Make an Impact Driving Growth & Innovation
Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that meet customer needs and deliver on financial goals
Curate and manage a relevant, data‑informed product assortment rooted in quality, value, and market opportunity
Lead the innovation pipeline for fresh and prepared food offerings in partnership with internal culinary and product development teams
Act as a thought leader for category trends, innovation, and competitive insights
Drive a consumer‑first approach through strategic assortment, merchandising, promotions, and pricing
Establish base and promotional pricing to support margin and volume goals
Identify and capitalize on opportunities through data analytics, consumer insights, and storytelling
Support expansion of private label or exclusive product assortments based on emerging trends and gaps in the market
Executing Operational Excellence
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including procurement, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams
Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve visibility, product availability, and executional consistency across all channels
Ensure inventory and supply plans align with category strategies and production timelines
Partner with marketing and commercial teams to enhance product visibility and promotional effectiveness
Champion a team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion
Lead vendor negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and service agreements
Identify cost‑saving opportunities and develop strategies to meet financial objectives
Conduct analysis of category performance, pricing, promotions, and market trends to guide strategic decisions
Collaborate with vendor and broker partners to activate category promotions and secure funding or marketing investments
Seek and negotiate exclusive or limited‑edition products that differentiate the brand in the marketplace
Maintain visibility into financial performance, inventory risks, and supply chain opportunities
Work closely with finance to ensure accuracy in forecasting and payments
What You’ll Need
A genuine passion for food, consumer trends, and innovation
5–8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles within consumer goods, manufacturing, or food production environments
Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organization and follow‑through
Demonstrated experience leading vendor relationships and negotiations
Knowledge of merchandising, category strategy, and product lifecycle management
Adaptable, collaborative, and solution‑oriented mindset
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Competitive compensation and benefits package
Strong organizational culture focused on growth, innovation, and team collaboration
Opportunities for professional development, recognition, and career advancement
A company that values creativity, data‑driven decision making, and meaningful product experiences
Confidentiality Disclaimer This is not the official job description for the position. It has been adjusted to protect the confidentiality of our client. A complete and official job description will be provided prior to any introduction or interview with the client.
Seniority level : Mid‑Senior level
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Management, Strategy/Planning, and Customer Service
Industries : Food and Beverage Retail, Retail, and Wholesale Food and Beverage
#J-18808-Ljbffr