Category Manager

Category ManagerThe Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies across assigned grocery product lines. This role serves as the key business owner for their categories, driving profitable growth through data-driven insights, strong vendor partnerships, and a deep understanding of shopper behavior. The ideal candidate brings proven grocery retail or CPG experience and excels at translating market intelligence into actionable, results-oriented plans.ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & PlanningDevelop and own multi-year category business plans aligned with overall merchandising strategy and financial objectivesDefine category roles, segmentation, and performance targets in partnership with senior leadershipConduct regular category reviews and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholdersAssortment & Space ManagementOptimize SKU assortment to drive sales, margin, and shopper satisfaction using Nielsen, IRI, or Circana dataManage planogram development and space allocation in collaboration with Space Planning teamsLead new item evaluations, line reviews, and seasonal reset planningVendor & Supplier ManagementNegotiate pricing, trade terms, promotional programs, and annual vendor agreementsServe as primary point of contact for vendor partners; conduct joint business planning (JBP) sessionsManage vendor performance scorecards and hold partners accountable to agreed commitmentsPricing & PromotionsSet and maintain everyday pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin goalsBuild and manage promotional calendars, evaluating ROI and optimizing trade spend effectivenessPartner with Marketing to develop compelling shopper-facing promotions and in-store activationsAnalytics & InsightsAnalyze POS, loyalty, and syndicated data to identify category trends, gaps, and opportunitiesMonitor competitive landscape, pricing, and assortment shifts; translate findings into actionable strategiesTrack and report category KPIs including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and market shareQualificationsRequired5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying within grocery retail or CPGDemonstrated proficiency with syndicated data platforms (Nielsen / Circana / IRI) and POS analytics toolsProven track record of delivering category sales and margin growth in a retail or wholesale environmentStrong negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships and trade fundingProficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or category management software (e.g., JDA, Blue Yonder, Apollo)Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organizationBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related fieldPreferredExperience with private label / own-brand development within a grocery categoryFamiliarity with loyalty and shopper marketing programs (e.g., 84.51°, Dunnhumby)Knowledge of CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment) practicesExperience in a direct-to-consumer or omnichannel grocery environmentMBA or equivalent advanced degree