Category Development Manager

Vesta Foodservice; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Vesta Foodservice is hiring a Category Development Manager in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The role focuses on supporting category strategy and managing product development initiatives in both produce and non-produce segments. Candidates should have 2–5+ years of relevant experience. This position offers competitive salary, health benefits, and growth opportunities. The company is known for its commitment to exceptional service and strong vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in foodservice, produce, or category-related role.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience in foodservice distribution or produce industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support category strategy across produce and non-produce categories.
• Coordinate product setup, specs, and internal communication for new items.
• Work with vendors to support product launches and programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Job description

We're hiring a Category Development Manager to join our growing team at Vesta Foodservice . This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about food, product development, vendor relationships, and the foodservice industry. The role is dynamic, hands-on, and highly collaborative, with exposure to category strategy, new product launches, sales support, and cross‑functional growth initiatives. We're looking for someone curious, proactive, and excited to be part of a fast‑moving company with a strong team culture and plenty of opportunity to grow.

Vesta Foodservice is a leading specialty foodservice distributor known for our “Yes, Chef” service model, deep supplier relationships, and commitment to delivering exceptional products and service to chefs and operators.

Position Overview

As we enter our next phase of growth, we are seeking a Category Development Manager to support and execute category strategy across both produce and non‑produce segments. This role is critical to expanding our product offering, strengthening vendor partnerships, and driving profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Category Execution & Support

• Support category strategy across produce and non‑produce categories
• Identify opportunities for new products and assortment expansion
• Coordinate product setup, specs, and internal communication for new items
• Ensure alignment between category strategy and execution
• Work with vendors to support product launches and programs
• Assist in evaluating new vendors and product opportunities
• Coordinate product samples and onboarding

Product Development & Launch

• Support new product introductions from concept through launch
• Coordinate with Marketing and Sales for successful rollout
• Track performance of new items

Sales & Business Development Support

• Partner with Sales and Key Accounts on product needs
• Support RFPs through product research
• Assist in building product solutions

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work with Purchasing, Operations, and Marketing teams
• Ensure product availability and operational feasibility
• Communicate category updates internally

Qualifications Required

• 2–5+ years of experience in foodservice, produce, or category‑related role
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication and follow‑through
• High attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience in foodservice distribution or produce industry
• Exposure to vendor management or product sourcing
• Experience supporting sales teams

What Makes This Role Different

• Direct exposure to category strategy and leadership
• Opportunity to work across both produce and non‑produce categories
• Role contributes to building and scaling the function
• Clear path for growth within the company

Who You Are

• Curious and proactive
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced environment
• Interested in food and product development

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding company