Specialty Foods Category Manager

Mother's Market & Kitchen; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

In-store discounts

Flexible shifts

Job summary

A progressive grocery retailer is seeking a Specialty Foods Category Manager to drive innovation in specialized product categories. This role involves strategic planning, vendor management, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have over two years of experience in category management and a strong foundation in data analysis. Responsibilities include managing financial performance and optimizing product assortments while collaborating with various departments to ensure excellent customer experiences. Join us to make a positive impact in the world of specialty foods.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Experience managing financial performance and negotiating vendor contracts.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with corporate goals.
• Manage category-level P&L including sales and inventory productivity.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and manage negotiations.

Skills

Data analysis

Vendor negotiation

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Mother’s Market & Kitchen is seeking a strategic, food- and beverage-savvy leader to drive growth and innovation in our Specialty Foods, Cheese, Beer, and Wine categories. The Specialty Foods Category Manager owns category strategy, financial performance, vendor partnerships, and promotional planning, ensuring exceptional customer experience while upholding our high-quality, sustainably minded brand values.

This is an opportunity to blend commercial insight, culinary knowledge, and operational collaboration to deliver a differentiated assortment that delights customers and drives profitability.

Pay Range: $80,000 – $90,000 Annually

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in-store discounts

What You Will Do

Lead Category Strategy & Merchandising

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with corporate financial goals and brand positioning.

• Define assortment architecture, balancing core, seasonal, innovative, and local offerings.

• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and customer insights to optimize assortment and space allocation.

• Lead category reviews, new item launches, and product transitions.

Own Financial & Performance Management

• Manage category-level P&L including sales, gross margin, shrink, and inventory productivity.

• Establish pricing strategies aligned with competitive benchmarks and margin objectives.

• Forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and implement strategies to reduce waste while maintaining service levels.

Drive Vendor & Contract Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, including negotiations on pricing, terms, and promotional funding.

• Evaluate vendor performance and enforce adherence to company standards, sustainability goals, and compliance requirements.

• Identify new suppliers and products to expand the assortment and drive category growth.

Plan and Execute Promotions

• Develop promotional calendars in partnership with Marketing and Operations teams.

• Ensure flawless execution of seasonal programs, in-store events, and product launches.

• Measure promotional performance and adjust strategies based on results and insights.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless execution.

• Support store teams with planograms, merchandising standards, and category-specific guidance.

• Contribute to process improvements and best practices across category management.

Ensure Compliance & Quality Standards

• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing alcohol sales and distribution.

• Uphold food safety, ingredient integrity, labeling, and documentation standards.

• Champion responsible alcohol retailing and adherence to company policies.

What You Bring

Required

• 2+ years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising (grocery, specialty foods, or beverage preferred).

• Experience managing financial performance and negotiating vendor contracts.

• Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and category management systems.

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to travel as required.

Preferred

• Expertise in specialty cheese, beer, and/or wine categories.

• Experience in natural, organic, or specialty retail environments.

• Cross-functional leadership experience in merchandising or operations.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen

• Analytical and data-driven decision-making

• Vendor negotiation and partnership management

• Cross-functional collaboration and influence

• Innovation, trends, and category expertise

• Attention to detail and operational excellence

Schedule Requirements

Flexible availability across various shifts and locations including weekends and evenings

Why Join Mother’s Market?

You’ll be part of a mission-driven company that values wellness, sustainability, and outstanding customer service. We foster an inclusive workplace where team members are respected and encouraged to grow.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mother’s Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Make Health Your Mission—Apply Today!

If you're ready to lead with passion, support your team, and make a real impact at Mother’s Market, we'd love to meet you.