Category Manager - Food

Ben E. Keith; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Wellness Program

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Ben E. Keith Company seeks a Category Manager to maximize category sales and gross profit in the assigned category within our Texas network.

The role emphasizes leadership of purchasing activities, vendor management, and data-driven analysis to support branch profitability and growth in our food and beverage portfolio. Based in Amarillo, you will guide Purchasing Managers and Assistants, handle daily tasks, and drive improvements in buying processes while ensuring quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• 3 years of Purchasing or equivalent business experience.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications.
• Previous management experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license is required for driving to perform company business.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence and communications; present to vendors and employees.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage time effectively.
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business or related field.

Responsibilities

• Maximize category sales and gross profit within the assigned category.
• Represent Ben E. Keith professionally and maintain a positive attitude.
• Manage day-to-day tasks and training of Purchasing Managers and Assistants.
• Perform administrative functions and data analysis to support key sales initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships to drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor product performance to achieve budgeted goals.
• Provide feedback to the Director of Purchasing on team performance.
• Ensure quality and packaging standards are met.
• Educate District Sales Reps on products within the category.

Skills

Purchasing

Vendor management

Data analysis

Leadership

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Report writing

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

At Ben E. Keith Company, our legacy is strong-and our future is even stronger.

For more than a century, we've been leaders in fine food and premium beverage distribution, known for delivering excellence and building lasting partnerships. Today, our Food Division spans multiple states, and our Beverage Division brings top beverage brands to communities across Texas.

But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to people. We invest in our employees, empower growth, and create opportunities to make an impact-because when our people succeed, so do our customers and our business. Since 1906, that's been our promise.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

This purpose of the Category Manager is to maximize category sales and gross profit within the assigned category, thereby effecting positive results on the company's overall market share.

• Represent Ben E. Keith with professionalism, maintain a positive attitude and follow dress code
• Maximize sales within assigned category in order to increase branch profitability and overall gross company profit
• Manage the day-to-day tasks and perform training of Purchasing Managers and Purchasing Assistants to ensure optimal performance of the Purchasing division
• Perform administrative functions and data analysis supporting key sales initiatives, including retailer performance and various ad hoc analysis to streamline and enhance the buying process
• Manage vendor relationships to drive continuous improvement
• Monitor performance of products within assigned category in order to achieve budgeted goals
• Provide feedback to Director of Purchasing related to performance of direct reports
• Ensure quality and packaging standards are met and maintained
• Educate District Sales Reps and associated personnel involved in the Purchasing function on products with assigned category

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 3 years of Purchasing or equivalent business experience
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications
• Previous management experience preferred
• Valid driver's license is required for driving to perform company business
• Ability to write reports, correspondence and communications. Ability to effectively present information to vendors and employees in a written and/or verbal format
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, assignments and tasks, monitoring use of time and appropriately using equipment, facilities and materials to provide timely and quality responses
• Ability to learn and use all Ben E. Keith applications
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business or related industry.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

We offer employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in collaborative, results-driven environments supported by competitive benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match + 100% Company-Paid Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Wellness, EAP & Educational Assistance

At Ben E. Keith, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce where different perspectives drive better decisions and innovation. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, considering all qualified applicants, including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.