Category Operations Manager-2

US Foods; Fife, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

US Foods is seeking a Category Manager to drive the execution of the division's category strategy across multiple Distribution Centers in the defined Area. You will support assortment updates, vendor partnerships, and merchandising goals while aligning with national strategy.

The role requires 7+ years in category management within food service or manufacturing, with strong data-driven and cross-functional collaboration skills. A four-year degree is required; MS Office proficiency is essential.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree required or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum 7 years of category management experience; food service or manufacturing industry preferred.
• Ability to operate within a matrix organization and present data across levels.
• Strong business acumen, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement division category strategy across the defined Area and DCs.
• Execute assortment changes and maintain local vendor relationships.
• Support Area and DC sales staff with product updates and merchandising goals.
• Gather local market data and trends; communicate opportunities to leadership.
• Finalize Area assortment and core/exception SKUs; coordinate product training.
• Support Area-specific bids, onboarding, and cross-functional communication.

Skills

Category management

Vendor relationship management

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Merchandising experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support and execute the implementation of US Foods division category strategy across the defined Area. Execute recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs within the defined Area. Support Area and DC sales staff with product assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of merchandising goals for all DCs within that Area. Support all local customer requirements within the defined Area keeping in line with the national strategies coming from the Center. Develop implementation plan for category strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers. Ensure implementation is in alignment with overall US Foods category strategy and goals and defined Area needs. Review assigned Area product assortment and gauge product penetration, noting slow or dead SKUs as well as growth opportunities. Responsible for profitable sales growth within assigned categories for their Area. Request exception SKUs, as needed, to finalize Area assortment, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans. Ensure Area product assortment is in alignment with US Foods category strategy and work to reduce SKU duplication. Ensure all local customer needs are met and are aligned with the national strategies. Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple DCs in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners. Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs. Facilitate product training and new product introductions, with DSS, Specialists and sales staff. Ensure product/brand message is in alignment with overall USF strategy. Work closely with the culinary team, conducting planning meetings to identify accounts and categories and their potential opportunities. Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and work closely with the Region team on any national or regional vendor issues. Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer on-boarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy.

SUPERVISION

None

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Regional, Area and Distribution Center staff, up to and including members of the leadership team. External: Customers, vendors, suppliers and all national / local food brokers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training: Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required.

Related Experience: Minimum 7 years category management experience required, with some project management experience preferred, ideally this experience will derive from the food service or food manufacturing industries.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups. Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance. Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint is required, working knowledge of Microsoft Access a plus.

COMPENSATION

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $81,000 - $125,000

***EOE - Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***

ABOUT US

US Foods is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.

US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and generates more than $28 billion in annual revenue.

Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more.

US Foods may collect personal information from you in connection with the application process. US Foods complies with the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its policy may be found here.

US Foods, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY

Know Your Rights Pay Transparency policy statement is available here US Foods is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process or to perform essential job functions, please contact our US Foods Application Accommodation Line at 866-960-5886. You will be prompted to leave a message. Please state the specifics of the assistance needed and your contact information. A member of our HR department will return your call within two business days.