Category Manager - Ingredients

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite) • Full-Time

About Us

Nelson-Jameson is a trusted leader in the food manufacturing industry, providing high-quality products and innovative solutions since 1947. We specialize in food processing products and services that help organizations maintain the highest standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned business, we value accountability, teamwork, and growth—both for our employees and the company. We’re proud of our close-knit, family-oriented culture, where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to grow. From wellness programs to career development, we prioritize both employee well-being and professional success.

About the Role

We’re seeking a results-oriented Category Manager for a product category within our Ingredients portfolio. This role manages a diverse portfolio of products as a part of food processing. This role will oversee products that could include brined jalapenos, dried spices, food grade salt, and various other flavor enhancing ingredients. As a Category Manager, you’ll work directly with vendors and help drive profitability through strategic marketing and sales efforts. You’ll play a key role in analyzing sales performance, developing pricing strategies, and collaborating across departments to ensure product success. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented team, build strong vendor relationships, and drive impactful marketing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize an assigned product portfolio, researching and sourcing new vendors and products to increase sales and profitability.
• Develop strong, strategic relationships with vendors to enhance product offerings and market performance.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure competitive advantage and maximize profitability.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate standard pricing, adjusting as necessary to improve margins.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure proper inventory levels for the product portfolio.
• Analyze sales data to allocate resources, improve product performance, and identify trends or potential issues.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies for the product portfolio, working closely with the Marketing Department and other stakeholders.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing efforts, including ROI analysis.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate quality documentation in coordination with the Regulatory Team.
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to define customer needs through site visits, samples, and trial events.
• Work with vendors to target key accounts, develop pricing programs, and encourage collaboration with sales representatives.
• Direct the duties of the Product Administrator for your assigned product line.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of experience in distribution, sales, or marketing.
• Strong knowledge of industry products and customer needs.
• Willingness & ability to travel occasionally for trade shows, training, or customer interaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or coursework in business, marketing, sales, or a related field.
• Experience in the food processing industry.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits with your choice of plans to match your unique needs.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Annual merit increases.
• Paid time off at time of hire.
• Annual allowance for company branded clothing.
• Annual wellness stipend & other wellness programs.
• Flexibility to work from home on an occasional basis.

Pay

Starting salary range: $58,000–$73,000 annually.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference. As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.