Category Manager

J Recruiting Services; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A leading recruiting agency is seeking a passionate Category Manager for Deli & Prepared Foods in St. Louis. This role involves innovation in product assortment and vendor partnerships, aiming for financial objectives and market trends. Ideal candidates have 5–8 years of experience in category management within the food industry and data-driven decision-making skills. Competitive compensation and a collaborative culture await.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles.
• Experience in consumer goods, manufacturing, or food production environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies.
• Lead vendor negotiations to optimize cost and service agreements.
• Drive a consumer-first approach through strategic assortment.

Skills

Category Management

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Vendor negotiation

Data-driven decision making

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Category Manager – Deli & Prepared Foods

Our client, a leading organization in the consumer goods and food industry, is seeking a passionate and strategic Category Manager to lead innovation, product assortment, pricing, merchandising, and vendor partnerships across assigned fresh and prepared food categories.

This role drives a consumer‑centric approach through trend‑forward strategy, culinary insights, and collaborative cross‑functional planning. By delivering exceptional product experiences and staying ahead of market trends, the Category Manager plays a key role in achieving financial objectives and advancing the company’s growth vision.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Driving Growth & Innovation

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that meet customer needs and deliver on financial goals
• Curate and manage a relevant, data‑informed product assortment rooted in quality, value, and market opportunity
• Lead the innovation pipeline for fresh and prepared food offerings in partnership with internal culinary and product development teams
• Act as a thought leader for category trends, innovation, and competitive insights
• Drive a consumer‑first approach through strategic assortment, merchandising, promotions, and pricing
• Establish base and promotional pricing to support margin and volume goals
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities through data analytics, consumer insights, and storytelling
• Support expansion of private label or exclusive product assortments based on emerging trends and gaps in the market

Executing Operational Excellence

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including procurement, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve visibility, product availability, and executional consistency across all channels
• Ensure inventory and supply plans align with category strategies and production timelines
• Partner with marketing and commercial teams to enhance product visibility and promotional effectiveness
• Champion a team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion
• Lead vendor negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and service agreements
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and develop strategies to meet financial objectives
• Conduct analysis of category performance, pricing, promotions, and market trends to guide strategic decisions
• Collaborate with vendor and broker partners to activate category promotions and secure funding or marketing investments
• Seek and negotiate exclusive or limited‑edition products that differentiate the brand in the marketplace
• Maintain visibility into financial performance, inventory risks, and supply chain opportunities
• Work closely with finance to ensure accuracy in forecasting and payments

What You’ll Need

• A genuine passion for food, consumer trends, and innovation
• 5–8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles within consumer goods, manufacturing, or food production environments
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organization and follow‑through
• Demonstrated experience leading vendor relationships and negotiations
• Knowledge of merchandising, category strategy, and product lifecycle management
• Adaptable, collaborative, and solution‑oriented mindset
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Strong organizational culture focused on growth, innovation, and team collaboration
• Opportunities for professional development, recognition, and career advancement
• A company that values creativity, data‑driven decision making, and meaningful product experiences

Confidentiality Disclaimer:

This is not the official job description for the position. It has been adjusted to protect the confidentiality of our client. A complete and official job description will be provided prior to any introduction or interview with the client.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Management, Strategy/Planning, and Customer Service
• Food and Beverage Retail, Retail, and Wholesale Food and Beverage