Associate Category Manager | Meat

Job Summary

The Associate Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within assigned category(s) for AWG and its Members. This role partners cross-functionally within the organization and collaborates closely with supplier partners to execute category strategies and achieve shared business objectives.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies and initiatives that support sales growth and profitability goals.
• Build and maintain comprehensive expertise in our products and categories, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity.
• Analyze category performance data to identify opportunities for growth, optimization, and operational efficiencies.
• Conduct regular category reviews to evaluate assortment, performance, pricing, and promotional effectiveness.
• Develop sales-driving programs that balance corporate objectives with market and Member flexibility.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiations, and funding opportunities to maximize category performance and profitability.
• Support pricing, promotional planning, product mix, and assortment decisions within assigned categories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Accounting, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging products to maintain relevant and innovative category offerings.
• Ensure efficient and profitable procurement practices while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, supplier partners, and AWG Members regarding category strategies and initiatives.

Position Requirements

• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
• Related experience in retail, merchandising, category management, supply chain, procurement, or business operations preferred.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency in Google Workspace applications and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in AWG systems preferred.
• Able to analyze and interpret complex data sets to support business decisions.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, operations, category management, and financial principles.
• Minimal travel required (less than 10%). Travel will include visits to AWG Member retail locations, distribution centers, supplier partner locations, and industry or trade-related events.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel requirements.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to work effectively in office, retail, and distribution center environments, which may include varying noise levels, temperatures, and operational conditions, as business needs require.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, and other repetitive hand movements is required.
• Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, as well as the ability to read and interpret information on computer screens, reports, and other documents.
• May occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies and materials weighing up to 10 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus