Associate Category Manager (Packaging-Consumables)

About the role

This hybrid position is based in our Quincy office three days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week.

Responsibilities

• Support members' store supply and packaging needs within Third Party Supply Distribution.
• Manage assigned indirect spend categories to support sales growth, member participation, profitability, and supplier performance.
• Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans that align with member needs and business priorities.
• Lead competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and incumbent business reviews.
• Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing or procurement strategies that maximize value for members.
• Lead supplier selection, award recommendations, and implementation activities.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation initiatives, and value-added services.
• Evaluate category performance and identify opportunities to improve programs, introduce new products or services, and enhance member value.
• Maintain awareness of industry, competitive, and consumer trends to support informed category decisions and long-term planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, volume incentives, and contract terms that support member savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities to strengthen supplier partnerships and implement corrective actions.
• Explore alternative sourcing and distribution strategies to improve cost efficiencies and supply reliability.
• Ensure execution of program requirements, reporting obligations, pricing structures, and contractual commitments.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to member-owners by understanding their needs and recommending category solutions that support their business goals.
• Communicate market insights, pricing trends, and data-driven insights to drive informed decisions.
• Present category strategies, business updates, and market analyses to member groups and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor industry, competitive, and consumer trends to support informed category decisions and long-term planning.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related business function.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful business recommendations.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing business relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting indirect spend or procurement categories.
• Experience within grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), foodservice, wholesale, or distribution industries.
• Experience using Salesforce, Tableau, Fastmarkets, or similar business intelligence and market reporting platforms.
• Experience presenting business recommendations to customers, leadership teams, or executive stakeholders.