Associate Category Manager - Deli

Overview

The Associate Category Manager - Deli is responsible for the development and execution of customer-focused category strategies for assigned Deli categories. This position owns all aspects of category performance including assortment planning, product innovation, merchandising, pricing, promotions, sourcing, and supplier management while partnering with the Deli Director on broader department initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Own Category Performance

• Develop and execute annual and seasonal category plans aligned with department and company objectives

• Maintain sales, margin, shrink, and inventory turn performance for assigned categories

• Utilize data, reporting, and customer insights to drive category decisions

• Implement action plans to achieve financial objectives

• Lead Category Strategy & Execution

• Manage assortment planning, pricing, promotion, merchandising, and product lifecycle management for assigned categories

• Evaluate product performance and make assortment recommendations that improve customer experience and financial performance

• Partner with operations teams to ensure effective execution in stores

• Support new store openings and category expansion initiatives

• Drive Innovation & Customer Focus

• Identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities

• Work with suppliers and cross-functional teams to develop new products and programs

• Lead product evaluations, testing, and launch activities

• Continuously improve assortment productivity and differentiation

• Manage Supplier Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with supplier partners

• Support negotiations, business reviews, cost management initiatives, and promotional planning

• Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure consistent product availability

• Cross Functional Leadership

• Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams

• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, Food Safety, and Procurement teams to execute category strategies

• Provide stores with information, tools, and guidance that support successful category execution

• Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and supplier presentations to support business objectives

Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of merchandising, category management, buying, or business planning experience

• Previous buying, sourcing, or vendor management experience preferred

• Requires long-term strategic and financial planning skills and a customer-focused mindset

• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and reporting tools

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization

• Complete understanding of P&L statements, margins, and inventory management

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Some travel required

Benefits

• Competitive pay

• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health

• Vacation accrual plan

• Opportunities for career growth

• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts

• Flexible schedules

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match

• Company paid life insurance

• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility Requirements

• May Apply For The Following Benefits

• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance

• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision

• Health Savings Account with company match

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care

• Company paid short-term disability coverage

• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers

• Paid holidays

Why Sprouts

• Grow with us!

• If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts!

• We offer a focus on customer service, high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods, and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting.

• Our neighborhood grocery stores offer a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.