Deli/Bakery Category Manager

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual category business plans to achieve sales, gross profit, inventory turn, market share, and growth
• Manage product assortments, item introductions, SKU rationalization, warehouse capacity optimization, and category space productivity to maximize sales
• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, contracts, preferred vendor agreements, RFP processes, payback programs, billbacks, customer credits, promotional funding, and vendor performance
• Create, recommend, and manage pricing, promotional, and merchandising strategies that improve competitiveness, profitability, and customer satisfaction
• Develop, maintain, and analyze planograms and category merchandising standards to optimize shelf productivity, product placement, and the customer shopping experience
• Partner with merchandising, advertising, operations, and sales teams to develop and execute promotional events, seasonal programs, category campaigns, and customer engagement initiatives
• Manage digital coupon and promotional programs, evaluate results, and implement improvements that enhance customer engagement and sales
• Analyze category performance using POS data, financial reports, consumer insights, market trends, and promotional analytics to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers, advertising group banners, international customers, brokers, and supplier partners to support category growth and innovation
• Lead vendor business reviews, strategic planning sessions, broker meetings, and supplier collaboration efforts to drive innovation, promotions, service improvements, and category growth
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to buyers and support cross-functional initiatives, task forces, and continuous improvement efforts while performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field
• 3-5+ years of experience in retail, category management, merchandising, procurement, or related disciplines
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, leadership, presentation, and organizational skills
• Experience with category management, merchandising, planograms, POS analysis, digital promotions, and retailer development