Overview

The 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.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

Develop and own multi-year category business plans aligned with overall merchandising strategy and financial objectives
Define category roles, segmentation, and performance targets in partnership with senior leadership
Conduct regular category reviews and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders

Assortment & Space Management

Optimize SKU assortment to drive sales, margin, and shopper satisfaction using Nielsen, IRI, or Circana data
Manage planogram development and space allocation in collaboration with Space Planning teams
Lead new item evaluations, line reviews, and seasonal reset planning

Vendor & Supplier Management

Negotiate pricing, trade terms, promotional programs, and annual vendor agreements
Serve as primary point of contact for vendor partners; conduct joint business planning (JBP) sessions
Manage vendor performance scorecards and hold partners accountable to agreed commitments

Pricing & Promotions

Set and maintain everyday pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin goals
Build and manage promotional calendars, evaluating ROI and optimizing trade spend effectiveness
Partner with Marketing to develop compelling shopper-facing promotions and in-store activations

Analytics & Insights

Analyze POS, loyalty, and syndicated data to identify category trends, gaps, and opportunities
Monitor competitive landscape, pricing, and assortment shifts; translate findings into actionable strategies
Track and report category KPIs including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and market share

Qualifications

Required

5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying within grocery retail or CPG
Demonstrated proficiency with syndicated data platforms (Nielsen / Circana / IRI) and POS analytics tools
Proven track record of delivering category sales and margin growth in a retail or wholesale environment
Strong negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships and trade funding
Proficiency 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 organization
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field

Preferred

Experience with private label / own-brand development within a grocery category
Familiarity with loyalty and shopper marketing programs (e.g., 84.51°, Dunnhumby)
Knowledge of CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment) practices
Experience in a direct-to-consumer or omnichannel grocery environment
MBA or equivalent advanced degree

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