Category Management & Supplier Relations Specialist

Sysco; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Knoxville, LLC is seeking a Category Manager to lead category initiatives across the region, collaborating with sales, procurement and suppliers. This role drives assortment updates, pricing integrity, and supplier relations to support business goals and customer service levels.

You will analyze local category performance, execute strategic initiatives, and work cross-functionally with Ops, Sales and RevMan to optimize profitability and service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform essential job functions.
• 3+ years of experience in retail, wholesale or distribution environment.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to negotiate with suppliers and brokers.

Responsibilities

• Execute Category Management and other initiatives within assigned categories.
• Responsible for Category success and overall Support of Corporate core suppliers.
• Communicate with planners/suppliers/brokers/sales team/customer service.
• Manage and promote local assortment within assigned categories to achieve company goals.
• Manage local supplier and broker relationships.
• Provide input, support, and guidance to operation company (OpCo) Sales Specialist.
• Facilitate corporate assortment training at the operation company (OpCo) as required.
• Conduct local supplier reviews and negotiations using corporate best business practices.
• Negotiate/secure supplier-funded customer deviated pricing.
• Facilitate negotiations and management of local Earned Income programs.
• Manage and review company Earned Income components.
• Work with supplier Category Captains or Advisors for focus categories as required.
• Support inventory depletion process by identifying items to be discontinued and assisting in supplier negotiations to return products.
• Drive results on focus categories and support promotional activities and selling events.
• Direct line of contact for local sales and communicate with and assist Sales on all issues.
• New item and Vendor creation.
• Drive increased Sysco Brand sales.
• Manage category equities and market pricing to support pricing integrity in conjunction with RevMan team.
• Collaborate and review Sales and GP results of Market Cost Price changes with Revenue Management team.
• Provide market commodity/industry news and updates to the sales organization.

Skills

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Communication

Excel skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

Sysco Knoxville, LLC is seeking a Category Manager to lead category initiatives across the region, collaborating with sales, procurement and suppliers. This role drives assortment updates, pricing integrity, and supplier relations to support business goals and customer service levels.

You will analyze local category performance, execute strategic initiatives, and work cross-functionally with Ops, Sales and RevMan to optimize profitability and service.