Category Manager

Overview

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies across assigned grocery product lines. This role serves as the key business owner for their categories, driving profitable growth through data-driven insights, strong vendor partnerships, and a deep understanding of shopper behavior. The ideal candidate brings proven grocery retail or CPG experience and excels at translating market intelligence into actionable, results-oriented plans.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and own multi-year category business plans aligned with overall merchandising strategy and financial objectives
• Define category roles, segmentation, and performance targets in partnership with senior leadership
• Conduct regular category reviews and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders

Assortment & Space Management

• Optimize SKU assortment to drive sales, margin, and shopper satisfaction using Nielsen, IRI, or Circana data
• Manage planogram development and space allocation in collaboration with Space Planning teams
• Lead new item evaluations, line reviews, and seasonal reset planning

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Negotiate pricing, trade terms, promotional programs, and annual vendor agreements
• Serve as primary point of contact for vendor partners; conduct joint business planning (JBP) sessions
• Manage vendor performance scorecards and hold partners accountable to agreed commitments

Pricing & Promotions

• Set and maintain everyday pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin goals
• Build and manage promotional calendars, evaluating ROI and optimizing trade spend effectiveness
• Partner with Marketing to develop compelling shopper-facing promotions and in-store activations

Analytics & Insights

• Analyze POS, loyalty, and syndicated data to identify category trends, gaps, and opportunities
• Monitor competitive landscape, pricing, and assortment shifts; translate findings into actionable strategies
• Track and report category KPIs including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and market share

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying within grocery retail or CPG
• Demonstrated proficiency with syndicated data platforms (Nielsen / Circana / IRI) and POS analytics tools
• Proven track record of delivering category sales and margin growth in a retail or wholesale environment
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships and trade funding
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or category management software (e.g., JDA, Blue Yonder, Apollo)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field

Preferred

• Experience with private label / own-brand development within a grocery category
• Familiarity with loyalty and shopper marketing programs (e.g., 84.51°, Dunnhumby)
• Knowledge of CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment) practices
• Experience in a direct-to-consumer or omnichannel grocery environment
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree