Category & Product Support Lead

Sysco; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Knoxville is seeking a Category Management professional to support high-end customer order fulfillment and optimize local assortment in line with corporate strategies. The role involves managing supplier relationships, coordinating with sales, planning, and procurement teams, and driving initiatives across assigned categories to achieve company goals.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience in retail, wholesale, or distribution, strong Excel skills, and a proactive, cross-functional

Qualifications

• Experience in retail, wholesale or distribution environments.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Execute Category Management and initiatives within assigned categories.
• Support corporate core suppliers and ensure category success.
• Coordinate with planners, suppliers, brokers, sales team, and customer service.
• Promote local assortment within categories to meet company goals.
• Manage local supplier and broker relationships.
• Provide guidance to OpCo Sales Specialists and support training.
• Facilitate corporate assortment training when required.
• Conduct supplier reviews and negotiations using best practices.
• Negotiate supplier-funded customer pricing and Earned Income programs.
• Review Earned Income components and drive category focus.
• Collaborate with Category Captains or Advisors on focus areas.
• Support inventory depletion and supplier negotiations for discontinued items.
• Drive results for focus categories and support promotions and events.
• Serve as the primary contact for local sales and assist with issues.
• Create new item and vendor records; drive Sysco Brand sales.

Skills

Conflict management

Multi-tasking

Merchandising changes

Cross-functional work

Timely communication

Collaborative work

Proactive issue resolution

Written & verbal communication

Organizational & planning

Merchandising processes

Supplier negotiation

Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Sysco Knoxville is seeking a Category Management professional to support high-end customer order fulfillment and optimize local assortment in line with corporate strategies. The role involves managing supplier relationships, coordinating with sales, planning, and procurement teams, and driving initiatives across assigned categories to achieve company goals.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience in retail, wholesale, or distribution, strong Excel skills, and a proactive, cross-functional