Category & Supplier Negotiation Specialist – Dairy/Beverages

Jobtailor; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Pittsburgh seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead category initiatives, manage local assortment, and strengthen supplier partnerships. You will collaborate with planners, brokers, sales, and customer service to execute merchandising strategies and promotional activities.

The role emphasizes delivering results in focus categories, managing vendor relationships, and guiding Earned Income programs, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision making and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience to perform essential job functions.
• 3+ years of experience
• Experience working within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment
• Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to drive positive merchandising change
• Ability to collaborate and facilitate timely communication
• Ability to work cross-functionally
• Proactive attitude to highlight and address issues as they arise
• Strong written & verbal communications skills
• Strong organizational & planning skills
• Ability to execute all Merchandising standard processes
• Strong supplier negotiation skills and ability to form a professional working relationship with suppliers and brokers
• Strong Excel skills

Responsibilities

• Execute Category Management and other initiatives within assigned categories
• Support category success and corporate core suppliers
• Communicate with planners, suppliers, brokers, sales team, and customer service
• Manage and promote local assortment within assigned categories to achieve company goals
• Manage local supplier and broker relationships
• Provide input, support, and guidance to OpCo Sales Specialists
• Facilitate corporate assortment training at the OpCo as required
• Conduct local supplier reviews and negotiations using corporate best business practices
• Negotiate and secure supplier-funded customer deviated pricing
• Facilitate negotiations and management of local Earned Income programs
• Manage and review company Earned Income components
• Work with Supplier Category Captains or Advisors for focus categories as required
• Support inventory depletion by identifying discontinued items and assisting supplier negotiations to return products
• Drive results on focus categories and support promotional activities and selling events
• Serve as the direct line of contact for local sales and assist Sales with issues
• Create new items and vendors
• Drive increased Sysco Brand sales
• Manage category equities and market pricing with the Revenue Management team
• Collaborate on Sales and GP results of Market Cost Price changes
• Provide market commodity and industry news and updates to the sales organization
• Support high-end customer order fulfillment and inventory management

Skills

Category Management

Supplier Negotiation

Merchandising Standard Processes

Retail/Wholesale Experience

Conflict Resolution

Strong Written Communication

Strong Verbal Communication

Organizational Skills

Planning Skills

Proactive Attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Excel Proficiency

Job description

Jobtailor in Pittsburgh seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead category initiatives, manage local assortment, and strengthen supplier partnerships. You will collaborate with planners, brokers, sales, and customer service to execute merchandising strategies and promotional activities.

The role emphasizes delivering results in focus categories, managing vendor relationships, and guiding Earned Income programs, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision making and cross-functional