Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

Palmer Food Services is seeking a Category Manager to own category management and purchasing for Nonfoods and Smallwares products. This role is crucial for ensuring alignment with company sales, margin, inventory, and growth objectives, while developing and executing strategies that support profitability and sustainable business growth.

Responsibilities

• Live and exemplify the company's values by nurturing an environment that inspires and motivates associates.
• Lead by example and champion our Values in Action.
• Own category management and purchasing responsibilities for all Nonfoods and Smallwares products.
• Develop and execute category strategies that support profitability, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business growth.
• Demonstrate disciplined, data-informed buying practices.
• Apply sound purchasing principles to ensure competitive costs, appropriate inventory levels, and continuity of supply.
• Manage product assortments, including product selection, rationalization, new item introductions, product conversions, and lifecycle management.
• Analyze category performance through various data points to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and address performance gaps.
• Monitor market conditions, pricing fluctuations, industry trends, and competitive activity; adjust strategies as needed.
• Maintain a "right product at the right price" mindset.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Stay current on supplier capabilities, product availability, pricing trends, market intelligence, and sourcing opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and effectively with internal teams regarding market conditions, product availability, pricing changes, and category opportunities.
• Ensure product assortments align with customer demand, sales strategies, market trends, and overall company objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels and take appropriate actions to maintain product availability and optimize investment.
• Support sales growth through active category leadership, providing product expertise and market insights.
• Conduct ride-alongs, customer visits, sales calls, and vendor meetings.
• Partner with Sales and Sales Leadership to identify growth opportunities and improve product mix and margin performance.
• Lead and support promotional programs, product launches, and merchandising initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, analyses, and recommendations regarding category performance and strategic opportunities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or state issued equivalency certificate.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales and/or food service industry, required.
• A valid and clean driver’s license.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects and competing priorities simultaneously, work independently, and drive projects to completion with minimum guidance and high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, enabling professional interactions with both external customers and internal team members.
• Proficiency in effective phone and email etiquette is essential.
• Associate's or bachelor's in culinary arts, business, marketing, or related field.
• OR 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Category Management
• Purchasing
• Sales
• Food Service Industry
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Communication Skills
• Phone Etiquette
• Email Etiquette
• Data Analysis
• Market Analysis
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation
• Inventory Management
• Project Management

Location

• Onsite

Work Type

• Full-Time

Experience Level

• 2+ years
• 3-5 years

Education Level

• High School Diploma
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree

Salary/Compensations

• $65,000 - $83,000 Yearly

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Benefit Time (PTO, Holiday and Sick)
• 401k Retirement Plan with Employer Matching
• Eligibility for Annual Profit-Sharing Bonus
• 15% Employee Discount on Retail Grocery Items
• Associate Discounts on Warehouse Food Products
• Employee Appreciation Events

About the Company

• Palmer Food Services offers competitive wages and a generous benefit package. We provide opportunities for advancement through excellent performance and contributions to the company mission, vision, and values. We value each member of our diverse and talented team, recognizing our associates as our unfair advantage.