Category Manager

Category Manager

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Our client is a nationally recognized wholesale distributor serving thousands of food-service operators across the United States. With a coast-to-coast warehouse network and a 20,000-plus item catalog, they are investing aggressively in category leadership and data-driven merchandising. The Category Manager will champion a high-impact portfolio of packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages-think pantry staples, premium ingredients, ready-to-drink favorites, and emerging better-for-you brands-driving strategy that delights customers and accelerates profitable growth.

If you are passionate about shaping what chefs, convenience stores, and institutional kitchens stock next, this role is your launchpad. You will own the roadmap, profit performance, and supplier relationships for one of the distributor's fastest-growing divisions while collaborating with marketing, operations, and executive leadership. Your insights will translate into shelf-winning assortments, compelling promotions, and stronger margins-all on a national scale.

What You'll Tackle

• Define a best-in-class packaged food and beverage assortment, balancing core volume drivers with health-forward innovations and seasonal demand spikes.
• Own full P&L accountability for your categories, including price architecture, vendor income, promotional ROI, and inventory productivity.
• Translate syndicated data, POS trends, and supply-chain analytics into region-specific action plans that boost sales velocity and reduce spoilage.
• Negotiate multi-year supply programs that lock in competitive costs, favorable terms, and industry-leading fill rates with domestic and global suppliers.
• Build and execute holiday and event calendars (e.g., summer beverage launches, back-to-school pantry programs) to ensure the right mix reaches each warehouse on time.
• Partner with marketing and store operations on eye-level placement, secondary displays, and impulse-zone merchandising.
• Leverage advanced Excel models to forecast demand, flag risks, and brief senior leadership on upside opportunities.
• Ensure every SKU complies with food-safety, labeling, and procurement standards.
• Serve as the resident food and beverage expert, mentoring cross-functional peers and junior analysts.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or related field.
• 7+ years of category management, purchasing, or merchandising experience within food-service, grocery, or CPG channels; beverage or pantry experience highly valued.
• Proven record of supplier negotiation that lifts gross margin and lowers total landed cost.
• Advanced Excel abilities (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, scenario modeling); ERP familiarity with SAP or Oracle preferred.
• Confident communicator who can present to executives and collaborate with warehouse and store teams alike.

Compensation & Perks

• Competitive base salary plus performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Employee product discounts, tuition reimbursement, and professional-development stipend.

Why This Role Stands Out

• High visibility: Own a top-selling category in a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
• Innovation runway: Introduce trend-setting products and analytics tools that redefine go-to-market strategy.
• Career springboard: Top performers have a clear path to senior merchandising leadership.
• Hybrid flexibility: Collaborate in person at the Chicago-area HQ while working remotely two days each week for work-life balance.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS