Category Manager

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandising strategies supporting premium product assortment and brand standards.
• Oversee product selection, vendor partnerships, pricing strategy, and promotional planning across multiple distribution channels including United Natural Foods, KeHE Distributors, and direct-store-delivery partners such as Rainforest Distribution.
• Maintain Citarella’s reputation for exceptional quality, sourcing unique and emerging specialty products, and delivering a curated assortment that differentiates the brand within the gourmet retail market.

Category Strategy & Assortment Development

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive sales growth, margin improvement, and inventory productivity.
• Curate a differentiated assortment of premium, specialty, and emerging food brands that align with the Citarella brand.
• Evaluate product performance through sales analytics, market trends, and customer demand insights.
• Build and maintain optimal assortments that balance core items, local/regional products, emerging trends, and innovation.
• Manage new product introductions, seasonal assortments, and product discontinuations.

Distributor & Vendor Relationship Management

• Manage distributor partnerships with companies such as United Natural Foods and KeHE Distributors to ensure optimal assortment access and favorable cost structures.
• Oversee direct-store-delivery vendor relationships including Rainforest Distribution and other specialty suppliers.
• Negotiate product costs, promotional funding, and trade allowances.
• Identify and onboard emerging vendors and artisan producers to expand the brand’s specialty offerings.

Pricing & Profitability Management

• Establish retail pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with premium positioning.
• Monitor cost changes and margin performance to maintain profitability targets.
• Identify opportunities for margin improvement through vendor negotiations, assortment optimization, and promotional planning.

Promotional & Merchandising Strategy

• Partner with marketing and store leadership to develop promotional programs and seasonal campaigns.
• Leverage distributor promotional calendars and vendor support opportunities.
• Support in-store merchandising initiatives, category resets, and product storytelling.

Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

• Resolve supply disruptions and identify alternative sourcing when needed.
• Forecast demand and manage inventory levels to minimize out-of-stocks, spoilage, and excess inventory.
• Monitor Days on Hand (DOH)reporting, shrink, sell-through and distributor lead times.
• Partner with Operations, Warehouse and Inventory control to ensure smooth replenishment and delivery to the stores.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory performance to inform category decisions.
• Prepare regular reporting on category performance, vendor contribution, and promotional effectiveness.
• Provide recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic merchandising initiatives.