Category Manager - Ingredients

Nelson-Jameson, Inc; Marshfield (WI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Annual discretionary bonus

Annual merit increases

Paid time off

Branding clothing allowance

Wellness stipend

Occasional work-from-home flexibility

Job summary

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. in Marshfield, WI is seeking a Category Manager to lead a diverse Ingredients portfolio. You will oversee brined jalapenos, dried spices, salt, and other flavor ingredients, driving profitability through marketing and sales efforts.

You will analyze sales performance, develop pricing strategies, and collaborate across departments to ensure product success. This role offers growth within a family-owned company with strong vendor relationships and supportive teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years experience in distribution, sales, or marketing.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for trade shows, training, or customer interaction.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize an assigned product portfolio, researching and sourcing new vendors and products to increase sales and profitability.
• Develop strong, strategic relationships with vendors to enhance product offerings and market performance.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure competitive advantage and maximize profitability.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate standard pricing, adjusting as necessary to improve margins.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure proper inventory levels for the product portfolio.
• Analyze sales data to allocate resources, improve product performance, and identify trends or potential issues.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies for the product portfolio, working closely with the Marketing Department and other stakeholders.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing efforts, including ROI analysis.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate quality documentation in coordination with the Regulatory Team.
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to define customer needs through site visits, samples, and trial events.
• Work with vendors to target key accounts, develop pricing programs, and encourage collaboration with sales representatives.
• Direct the duties of the Product Administrator for your assigned product line.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Skills

Distribution knowledge

Sales experience

Marketing knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary coursework in business/marketing/sales

Job description

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $58,000-$73,000

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!

About Us Nelson-Jameson is a trusted leader in the food manufacturing industry, providing high-quality products and innovative solutions since 1947. We specialize in food processing products and services that help organizations maintain the highest standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned business, we value accountability, teamwork, and growth—both for our employees and the company.

We’re proud of our close-knit, family-oriented culture, where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to grow. From wellness programs to career development, we prioritize both employee well-being and professional success. If you\'re looking for a rewarding career with a trusted, optimistic team, we invite you to apply and join us at Nelson-Jameson!

Job Summary

We’re seeking a results-oriented Category Manager for a product category within our Ingredients portfolio. This role manages a diverse portfolio of products as a part of food processing. This role will oversee products that could include brined jalapenos, dried spices, food grade salt, and various other flavor enhancing ingredients.

As a Category Manager, you’ll work directly with vendors and help drive profitability through strategic marketing and sales efforts. You’ll play a key role in analyzing sales performance, developing pricing strategies, and collaborating across departments to ensure product success. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented team, build strong vendor relationships, and drive impactful marketing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize an assigned product portfolio, researching and sourcing new vendors and products to increase sales and profitability.
• Develop strong, strategic relationships with vendors to enhance product offerings and market performance.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure competitive advantage and maximize profitability.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate standard pricing, adjusting as necessary to improve margins.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure proper inventory levels for the product portfolio.
• Analyze sales data to allocate resources, improve product performance, and identify trends or potential issues.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies for the product portfolio, working closely with the Marketing Department and other stakeholders.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing efforts, including ROI analysis.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate quality documentation in coordination with the Regulatory Team.
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to define customer needs through site visits, samples, and trial events.
• Work with vendors to target key accounts, develop pricing programs, and encourage collaboration with sales representatives.
• Direct the duties of the Product Administrator for your assigned product line.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Required:
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in distribution, sales, or marketing.
• Strong knowledge of industry products and customer needs.
• Willingness & ability to travel occasionally for trade shows, training, or customer interaction.
• Preferred:
• Post-secondary education or coursework in business, marketing, sales, or a related field.
• Experience in the food processing industry is a plus.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you\’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, You’ll Receive

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation:
• Starting Salary Range: $58,000-$73,000 annually
• Annual Discretionary Bonus
• Annual Merit Increases
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Flexibility to work from home on an occasional basis
• And much more!

Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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