Category Manager, Food Retail & Merchandising

ERI - Energy Recruiters; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ERI - Energy Recruiters is seeking a qualified category lead for deli/foodservice within Northern California retail networks. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, and guide merchandising decisions to boost sales and margin.

The role requires 3–5+ years in deli/retail, strong vendor management, and food-safety expertise. Travel to store locations as needed is expected. ServSafe is preferred and cross-functional collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in deli, foodservice, grocery or convenience retail.
• Background in category management, merchandising or multi-unit foodservice operations.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards; ServSafe certification preferred.
• Proven vendor negotiation and relationship-management experience.
• Ability to analyze POS data and financial reports to drive category performance.
• Strong communication, project-management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to travel to store locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, margin, and customer satisfaction.
• Build and optimize product assortments.
• Analyze POS data, movement reports, and financial metrics to guide decision-making.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and promotional programs with suppliers and distributors.
• Manage vendor relationships, rebates, and supply continuity.
• Set retail pricing and margin targets; monitor category P&L, COGS, and shrink.
• Create merchandising standards.
• Lead promotional planning, seasonal programs, signage, and other initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and sanitation requirements.
• Provide training and operational support to store teams on merchandising.
• Conduct store visits to audit execution and identify improvement opportunities.
• Track competitor offerings and market trends to maintain category relevance.

Skills

Retail experience

Category management

Merchandising

Multi-unit operations

Food safety

ServSafe

Vendor negotiation

Vendor relationships

POS data analysis

Financial analysis

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel

Job description

ERI - Energy Recruiters is seeking a qualified category lead for deli/foodservice within Northern California retail networks. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, and guide merchandising decisions to boost sales and margin.

The role requires 3–5+ years in deli/retail, strong vendor management, and food-safety expertise. Travel to store locations as needed is expected. ServSafe is preferred and cross-functional collaboration is essential.