Global Gourmet Category Lead: Sourcing & Growth

Sysco Northeast Rdc; Arlington Heights (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Northeast Rdc seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute a national specialty/gourmet category strategy. You will oversee assortment, sourcing, pricing, promotions, training, and vendor relationships to ensure a relevant, innovative product portfolio that meets customer needs and drives financial goals.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, negotiating with vendors, and coordinating with Sales, Marketing, Procurement, and Regulatory to support growth and supply continuity.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience in food service, specialty/gourmet retail or with a consumer goods company.
• 7+ years in vendor relations, pricing, and product assortment management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assortment optimization: develop national specialty/gourmet category strategy and rationalize SKUs.
• Lead category training initiatives for sales teams and customer events.
• Sourcing: manage vendor identification, setup, cost negotiation and continuity of supply.
• Pricing: review pricing and profitability with leadership approval.
• Vendor management: build relationships, conduct reviews, and negotiate terms.
• Cross functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Procurement and Regulatory.

Skills

Assortment Optimization

Category Training

Sourcing

Pricing

Vendor Management

Cross Functional Collaboration

Regulatory

Education

Four-year degree in business or related field

5+ years in food service or consumer goods

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Sysco Northeast Rdc seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute a national specialty/gourmet category strategy. You will oversee assortment, sourcing, pricing, promotions, training, and vendor relationships to ensure a relevant, innovative product portfolio that meets customer needs and drives financial goals.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, negotiating with vendors, and coordinating with Sales, Marketing, Procurement, and Regulatory to support growth and supply continuity.