Category Manager

FreshEdge; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Benefits

Paid Time Off

Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Weekly Paid

Job summary

FreshEdge is seeking a Category Manager of Non-Foods & Disposables to own category performance and translate merchandising strategy into actionable plans across Merchandising, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales.

The role requires hands-on ownership, practical judgment, and the ability to influence in a decentralized environment, with remote work and up to 25% travel. A Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in category management are expected.

Qualifications

• Direct experience managing non-foods, disposables, packaging, paper goods, chemicals, or related categories.
• Proven success negotiating vendor agreements and improving cost position within non-food segments.
• Established vendor relationships within the non-foods and disposables industry.
• Experience managing direct import programs is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in category management or merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Own category performance across sales, margin, product mix, inventory productivity, and other key measures
• Turn category direction into clear, executable plans across Merchandising, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales
• Actively pursue new vendor, assortment, and pricing opportunities that accelerate category growth
• Leverage your existing vendor relationships within non-foods and disposables to accelerate growth and improve commercial terms
• Evaluate vendor programs, freight structures, and material cost drivers to optimize net product cost
• Identify opportunities to consolidate volume with strategic suppliers while protecting service and assortment flexibility
• Stay current on market drivers impacting non-foods categories, including raw material volatility and supply chain dynamics
• Actively expand and strengthen relationships with key national and regional suppliers
• Eliminate underperforming items and complexity with discipline and speed
• Raise performance expectations and collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure execution
• Determine which vendors and assortments should scale across the network while respecting local needs
• Identify growth opportunities and quickly remove unproductive items or complexity
• Drive adoption across independently operated OpCos by tying recommendations to local economics and service models and developing compelling value propositions
• Keep customer needs, competitive dynamics, and operational realities front and center in decisions
• Deep familiarity with non-foods and disposable product categories and supplier landscape
• Strong network of supplier contacts within packaging, disposables, and related segments
• Understanding of cost drivers in non-food categories, including raw materials, freight, and manufacturing inputs
• Ability to negotiate programs and pricing structures beyond list pricing
• Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action and a desire to win
• Commercially driven and motivated by measurable results
• Comfortable making decisions and standing behind them
• Clear and effective communicator who can influence without relying solely on formal authority
• Strong cross-functional collaborator
• Comfortable operating in a growing, multi-site organization
• Ability to quickly gain proficiency navigating unfamiliar reporting systems and platforms

Skills

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Influence without authority

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

FreshEdge is a growing network of produce and specialty distributors serving customers across 25 states. We combine strong local relationships with shared scale, infrastructure, and expertise. As our non-produce business expands, we are strengthening our Non-Foods and Disposables categories to better serve customers and drive profitability.

FreshEdge is looking for a Category Manager of Non-Foods & Disposables who will own category performance and translate merchandising strategy into consistent execution across our operating companies. This role requires hands‑on ownership, practical judgment, and the ability to influence in a decentralized environment.

This is a growth‑oriented role for a Category Manager who wants to dramatically expand and improve a category, not simply manage day‑to‑day execution. The right candidate will bring energy, initiative, and a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better results.

Essential Functions:

• Own category performance across sales, margin, product mix, inventory productivity, and other key measures
• Turn category direction into clear, executable plans across Merchandising, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales
• Actively pursue new vendor, assortment, and pricing opportunities that accelerate category growth
• Leverage your existing vendor relationships within non‑foods and disposables to accelerate growth and improve commercial terms
• Evaluate vendor programs, freight structures, and material cost drivers (e.g., resin, pulp, corrugate) to optimize net product cost
• Identify opportunities to consolidate volume with strategic suppliers while protecting service and assortment flexibility
• Stay current on market drivers impacting non‑foods categories, including raw material volatility and supply chain dynamics
• Actively expand and strengthen relationships with key national and regional suppliers
• Eliminate underperforming items and complexity with discipline and speed
• Raise performance expectations and collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure execution
• Determine which vendors and assortments should scale across the network while respecting local needs
• Identify growth opportunities and quickly remove unproductive items or complexity
• Drive adoption across independently operated OpCos by tying recommendations to local economics and service models and developing compelling value propositions
• Keep customer needs, competitive dynamics, and operational realities front and center in decisions
• Deep familiarity with non‑foods and disposable product categories and supplier landscape
• Strong network of supplier contacts within packaging, disposables, and related segments
• Understanding of cost drivers in non‑food categories, including raw materials, freight, and manufacturing inputs
• Ability to negotiate programs and pricing structures beyond list pricing
• Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action and a desire to win
• Commercially driven and motivated by measurable results
• Comfortable making decisions and standing behind them
• Clear and effective communicator who can influence without relying solely on formal authority
• Strong cross‑functional collaborator
• Comfortable operating in a growing, multi‑site organization
• Ability to quickly gain proficiency navigating unfamiliar reporting systems and platforms

Education & Experience:

• Direct experience managing non‑foods, disposables, packaging, paper goods, chemicals, or related categories
• Demonstrated success negotiating vendor agreements and improving cost position within non‑food segments
• Established vendor relationships within the non‑foods and disposables industry
• Experience managing direct import programs is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in category management or merchandising
• Experience working directly with vendors on cost, programs, and agreementsl>Solid understanding of margins, product mix, and vendor performance
• Experience in decentralized or multi‑site environments is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Job Location:

• Remote
• Up to 25% travel as business needs dictate

Compensation:

• $140,000 - $160,000
• Eligible for annual bonus
• Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life)
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Weekly Paid

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy‑related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.