Category Operations Lead - Food Service Growth & Strategy

US Foods; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Short-term disability

Life insurance

Pre-tax spending accounts

Job summary

US Foods is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead and implement the division’s category strategy across multiple Distribution Centers. You will drive KPIs, support assortment updates, and collaborate with sales, culinary, and vendor teams to meet local market needs in line with national strategy.

The role requires a four-year business degree, 7+ years in category management within food service or manufacturing, and strong analytical/presentation abilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years category management experience required, ideally from food service/manufacturing.
• Ability to operate within a matrix organization with multiple groups.
• Ability to work in a team setting and drive organizational transformations.
• Provide fact-based recommendations across management levels to improve category performance.
• Self-directed, motivated with strong business acumen and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute the transition of the division category strategy across the defined Area.
• Support assortment changes and vendor relationships for all DCs in the Area.
• Assist Area sales with assortment updates, inquiries and merchandising goals.
• Develop implementation plans aligned with national category strategy and Area needs.
• Drive KPIs such as sales case growth, category penetration and pricing with field teams.
• Facilitate product training and new product introductions with sales staff.
• Support FSQA inquiries for the Area and assist with major account bids.
• Communicate market conditions and weekly talking points to the sales team.

Skills

Category management

Teamwork

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

PowerPoint

Job description

US Foods is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead and implement the division’s category strategy across multiple Distribution Centers. You will drive KPIs, support assortment updates, and collaborate with sales, culinary, and vendor teams to meet local market needs in line with national strategy.

The role requires a four-year business degree, 7+ years in category management within food service or manufacturing, and strong analytical/presentation abilities.