Category Manager (Senior/National) - Account Management

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America. The company produces quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces, with manufacturing facilities across the United States and corporate offices in Memphis, TN.

About the role

Stratas Foods is seeking an experienced commercial leader to join the Inside Sales Team as either a Sr. Category Manager or a National Category Manager, depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, and career progression. The role partners across Sales, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Technical Services to develop category strategies, manage customer relationships, optimize pricing, and drive business performance. Depending on level, the position may include direct leadership of category team members and ownership of broader strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen customer relationships while fostering a culture of exceptional service.
• Manage a strategic book of business, providing category expertise through pricing, forward contracting, RFP/RFQ responses, forecasting, and customer support.
• Develop and execute category strategies that drive profitable growth, margin expansion, and long-term customer success.
• Analyze commodity markets, pricing trends, competitive activity, and customer opportunities to support sound business decisions.
• Own category forecasting and collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations to support inventory planning and demand management.
• Partner closely with Procurement, Finance, Marketing, Technical Services, Operations, Customer Service, and Sales to execute business objectives.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to increase sales volume, profitability, and market share.
• Lead category‑related projects and contribute to company‑wide initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.
• Mentor and coach team members, provide strategic leadership for category performance, and assume ownership of category P&L responsibilities (as applicable).
• Travel as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.

Experience

• Sr. Category Manager – 3+ years in category management, sales support, finance, procurement, supply chain, or related commercial roles; experience supporting strategic customer accounts and developing pricing strategies; working knowledge of commodity markets preferred; mentors others and contributes to broader business initiatives.
• National Category Manager – 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in category management, commercial leadership, sales, or commodities; demonstrated success developing category strategies, leading growth initiatives, forecasting, and managing customer portfolios; experience mentoring or leading others preferred; P&L ownership and commodity market experience strongly preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP, Salesforce, forecasting, and S&OP/IBP preferred.
• Excellent communication, customer‑relationship, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Competencies

• Analytical Skills – reviews business information to identify trends, evaluate profitability, assess pricing strategies, and support category performance.
• Financial & Mathematical Skills – performs pricing calculations accurately while evaluating costs, margins, market conditions, and profitability.
• Communication – conveys information clearly and professionally with customers and internal partners; presents data effectively and builds trust.
• Customer Focus – builds long‑term partnerships by understanding needs, anticipating challenges, and delivering value‑added solutions.
• Problem Solving – analyzes complex business situations, develops practical solutions, and drives execution through collaboration.
• Leadership & Teamwork – works effectively across Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Technical Services, and Legal; mentors team members and promotes a collaborative culture.
• Judgment – makes timely, informed decisions while exercising discretion and professionalism with sensitive business information.

Additional Information

• Physical – prolonged periods of sitting or standing, computer use, occasional movement within the workplace; may require lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds.
• Sensory – clear verbal and written communication skills; active listening and attention to detail are essential.
• Mental/Reasoning – ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, adapt to changing demands; strong organizational skills, dependability, and ability to work independently or as part of a team; sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion required.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision