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Category Manager (1091187)
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The Judge Group 16 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Category Manager (1091187)
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The Judge Group Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Description
Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor
Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact. Location:
Newark, NJ
Salary:
Depends on Experience
Description
Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor
Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact.
Are you ready to elevate your career in food distribution with one of the most recognized names in the industry? We're seeking a dynamic
Category Manager
to oversee purchasing, financial strategy, and customer relationships across a key product category. This is a rare opportunity to drive profitability, streamline operations, and influence the future of food distribution.
What You’ll Own
Strategic Inventory Management Maintain optimal stock levels to meet customer demand while maximizing inventory turns and reducing dead stock. Identify opportunities to consolidate low-volume items and vendors. Financial Precision & Profitability Monitor and improve category performance using key financial indicators: in-stock percentages, cost of goods sold, days payable, earned income, and margin optimization. Vendor Negotiation & Relations Negotiate strategic terms including freight rates, buy brackets, extended payment schedules, and backhaul credits. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure price accuracy, quality, and service excellence. Operational Excellence Coordinate with Accounting to manage billbacks, storage charges, and vendor invoicing. Resolve discrepancies and streamline returns. Collaborate with internal teams to maintain transparent, efficient workflows. Multi-Unit Account Partnership Serve as the key liaison for Area Managers and Multi-Unit Account Executives. Support category-specific customer needs—especially in high-touch areas like dairy and perishables. Quality Assurance & Compliance Monitor expiration dates, manage recalls, and ensure proper disposal protocols. Uphold category integrity through proactive issue resolution and continuous communication.
What You Bring
Background & Experience: High School Diploma required (Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain preferred) 4+ years of purchasing experience in food distribution 2+ years in a supervisory or category leadership role Skills & Expertise: Exceptional supplier negotiation skills and vendor relationship management Strong inventory control and costing/pricing acumen Fluent English communication (Spanish bilingualism a major plus) Proficiency with desktop systems and analytical tools Why This Role Rocks:
You’ll be a Strategic Driver of growth and innovation in a mission-critical product category You’ll be at the Center of It All — interfacing with every major department in a collaborative, high-performance environment You’ll Help Shape the Industry through category-level decisions that impact supply chains, customer satisfaction, and product quality at scale Compensation...with salary and bonus, you can earn up to a total of $150,000 in your first year.
Join a Fortune 500 powerhouse where your strategic thinking, leadership, and market savvy will be recognized and rewarded.
Apply Now
and redefine what’s possible in food category management.
By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
Contact:
rarritola@judge.com
This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at www.judge.com Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Marketing and Sales Industries Business Consulting and Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Judge Group by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Category Manager” roles.
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#J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager (1091187)
role at
The Judge Group 16 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Category Manager (1091187)
role at
The Judge Group Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Description
Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor
Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact. Location:
Newark, NJ
Salary:
Depends on Experience
Description
Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor
Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact.
Are you ready to elevate your career in food distribution with one of the most recognized names in the industry? We're seeking a dynamic
Category Manager
to oversee purchasing, financial strategy, and customer relationships across a key product category. This is a rare opportunity to drive profitability, streamline operations, and influence the future of food distribution.
What You’ll Own
Strategic Inventory Management Maintain optimal stock levels to meet customer demand while maximizing inventory turns and reducing dead stock. Identify opportunities to consolidate low-volume items and vendors. Financial Precision & Profitability Monitor and improve category performance using key financial indicators: in-stock percentages, cost of goods sold, days payable, earned income, and margin optimization. Vendor Negotiation & Relations Negotiate strategic terms including freight rates, buy brackets, extended payment schedules, and backhaul credits. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure price accuracy, quality, and service excellence. Operational Excellence Coordinate with Accounting to manage billbacks, storage charges, and vendor invoicing. Resolve discrepancies and streamline returns. Collaborate with internal teams to maintain transparent, efficient workflows. Multi-Unit Account Partnership Serve as the key liaison for Area Managers and Multi-Unit Account Executives. Support category-specific customer needs—especially in high-touch areas like dairy and perishables. Quality Assurance & Compliance Monitor expiration dates, manage recalls, and ensure proper disposal protocols. Uphold category integrity through proactive issue resolution and continuous communication.
What You Bring
Background & Experience: High School Diploma required (Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain preferred) 4+ years of purchasing experience in food distribution 2+ years in a supervisory or category leadership role Skills & Expertise: Exceptional supplier negotiation skills and vendor relationship management Strong inventory control and costing/pricing acumen Fluent English communication (Spanish bilingualism a major plus) Proficiency with desktop systems and analytical tools Why This Role Rocks:
You’ll be a Strategic Driver of growth and innovation in a mission-critical product category You’ll be at the Center of It All — interfacing with every major department in a collaborative, high-performance environment You’ll Help Shape the Industry through category-level decisions that impact supply chains, customer satisfaction, and product quality at scale Compensation...with salary and bonus, you can earn up to a total of $150,000 in your first year.
Join a Fortune 500 powerhouse where your strategic thinking, leadership, and market savvy will be recognized and rewarded.
Apply Now
and redefine what’s possible in food category management.
By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
Contact:
rarritola@judge.com
This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at www.judge.com Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Marketing and Sales Industries Business Consulting and Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Judge Group by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Category Manager” roles.
New York, NY $85,000.00-$95,000.00 1 week ago BOTTEGA VENETA Brand Manager, Bergdorf Goodman
New York, NY $110,000.00-$115,000.00 4 weeks ago New York, NY $95,000.00-$105,000.00 5 days ago New York City Metropolitan Area $65,000.00-$75,000.00 4 days ago Category Manager, Produce & Specialty Foods- Eataly Corporate
New York, NY $75,000.00-$90,000.00 1 week ago New York, NY $225,000.00-$325,000.00 2 weeks ago New York, NY $80,000.00-$95,000.00 2 hours ago New York, NY $83,000.00-$119,000.00 4 weeks ago SAINT LAURENT Associate Buyer, Womens Leather Goods
New York, NY $80,000.00-$90,000.00 3 weeks ago Senior Manager, Retail Marketing & Events
New York City Metropolitan Area 2 weeks ago Freelance: Manager, Brand Marketing, CNBC
Englewood Cliffs, NJ $75,000.00-$95,000.00 1 week ago East Hanover, NJ $137,300.00-$188,825.00 2 days ago New York City Metropolitan Area $120,000.00-$130,000.00 2 weeks ago GUCCI Team Manager American Dream Fixed Temp - Future Opportunity Maternity Leave Coverage
East Rutherford, NJ $75,000.00-$82,000.00 1 week ago New York, NY $119,200.00-$159,800.00 2 hours ago New York, NY $78,037.00-$107,311.00 4 days ago Senior Manager - Category & Shopper Analytics (Tarrytown, NY)
New York City Metropolitan Area 2 weeks ago New York, NY $85,000.00-$90,000.00 23 hours ago New York, NY $90,000.00-$115,000.00 1 month ago Senior Brand Manager, Global e.l.f. Cosmetics
New York, NY $110,000.00-$140,000.00 1 week ago New York, NY $118,000.00-$133,000.00 1 week ago Jersey City, NJ $90,700.00-$102,000.00 1 week ago Bronx, NY $92,460.00-$100,000.00 6 days ago Category Manager, Procurement - Morristown, NJ/Hybrid
Morristown, NJ $75,200.00-$110,200.00 4 days ago Senior Multibrand Marketing & Events Manager
New York City Metropolitan Area 2 weeks ago New York, NY $90,000.00-$95,000.00 1 month ago New York, NY $90,000.00-$115,000.00 3 weeks ago Senior Brand Merchandising Manager, Textiles, RL Home
New York, NY $108,800.00-$136,000.00 1 week ago Senior Manager Category Analytics (Flamingo)
New York, NY $100,000.00-$114,500.00 2 weeks ago New York, NY $98,928.00-$129,888.00 4 days ago Strategic Planning Ice Cream North America, Associate Director
New York City Metropolitan Area 1 week ago New York, NY $122,000.00-$176,000.00 3 days ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr