Category Manager (Food Distribution)

The Judge Group, INC.; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Excellent matching 401(k)

Wellness programs

Additional employee perks

Job summary

The Judge Group, INC. seeks a strategic Category Manager in Gainesville, GA to lead a 4–5 buyer team, shape purchasing strategy, and strengthen supplier partnerships within a large food distribution network.

You will analyze product lines, guide pricing and service levels, drive margin performance, and collaborate with Sales, Finance and Marketing to identify growth opportunities. This role offers Fortune 500–level benefits and clear career progression.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of food purchasing experience.
• Experience in wholesale food, retail food, or foodservice distribution.
• Leadership experience directing buyers.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with cheese/dairy or frozen categories preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 4–5 Buyers.
• Evaluate product lines, programs, and pricing to identify improvement opportunities.
• Guide buyers on service levels, out-of-stocks, aged inventory, EOQ, and best practices.
• Run quarterly supplier meetings to review performance and assortment changes.
• Support a 150+ member sales team with product research, pricing, and deal negotiation.
• Own aged inventory and drive timely solutions.
• Partner with Sales, Finance, and Marketing to identify growth opportunities.
• Perform additional duties to best serve the company.

Skills

Food purchasing

Leadership

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate or Bachelor’s preferred

Job description

Fortune 500–level organization

If you’re a strategic, commercially minded leader who knows how to turn product categories into profit engines, this role puts you at the center of a major food distribution network. As Category Manager, you’ll shape purchasing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships, guide a team of buyers, and directly influence margin performance and customer satisfaction.

Compensation & Benefits

• Up to $150,000 total compensation (salary + bonus) in year one
• Fortune 500–level benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision
  • Excellent matching 401(k)
  • Robust insurance + wellness programs
  • Additional employee perks
• Real career progression across a national network

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 4–5 Buyers
• Evaluate product lines, programs, and pricing to identify improvement opportunities
• Guide buyers on service levels, out‑of‑stocks, aged inventory, EOQ, and best practices
• Run quarterly supplier meetings to review performance and assortment changes
• Support a 150+ member sales team with product research, pricing, and deal negotiation
• Own aged inventory and drive timely solutionsli>
• Partner with Sales, Finance, and Marketing to identify growth opportunities
• Perform additional duties to best serve the company

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED (Associate or Bachelor’s preferred)
• 4+ years food purchasing experience
• Background in wholesale food, retail food, foodservice distribution, or multi‑unit restaurant purchasing
• Leadership experience directing buyers
• It would be great if the person had experience with cheese/ dairy, or frozen- dessert / breads/ appetizers/ fries. However, they’d certainly be interested in talking to someone who has experience in other categories as well.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship‑building skills

Why This Role Matters

This is category leadership with real influence. You’ll shape pricing, supplier strategy, inventory health, and customer satisfaction across a massive distribution network. If you want a role where your decisions matter and your career trajectory is upward, Gainesville is the place to make your mark.

Hashtags

#JDP #CategoryManager #PurchasingLeadership #FoodDistribution #SupplyChainCareers #GainesvilleGA #ProcurementJobs #NowHiring