Stores Category Manager

About the role

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...

Drive Strategy. Build Partnerships. Grow Categories.

At Gordon Food Service, we're looking for a motivated, results-driven professional to join our Stores team as a Category Manager. Whether your experience is in buying, merchandising, product management, or category strategy, we're looking for someone who brings fresh ideas, strong business acumen, and the ability to turn opportunities into results!

In this role, you'll take ownership of assigned product categories, developing strategies that influence what we sell, how we price it, and how we stay competitive. You'll work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, improve profitability, and deliver products that meet our customers' evolving needs.

If you enjoy combining data, creativity, negotiation, and business strategy to make a measurable impact, this could be a great next step in your career!

What You'll Do

Own Category Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop and execute category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and product growth.
• Build annual category plans that align with company objectives and customer needs.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, margins, promotions, and product lifecycle decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve category performance, reduce costs, and increase profitability.

Turn Data Into Business Decisions

• Analyze sales performance, customer purchasing behavior, market trends, and competitive activity.
• Use data and financial insights to develop pricing strategies, forecast demand, and identify growth opportunities.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust strategies to achieve category goals.
• Stay informed about emerging products, consumer preferences, and industry developments.

Build Vendor Relationships & Negotiate Opportunities

• Develop strong partnerships with suppliers to support product innovation, competitive pricing, and business growth.
• Negotiate vendor costs, promotional support, marketing investments, and other business agreements.
• Identify new products and supplier opportunities that differentiate Gordon Food Service Stores from competitors.

Collaborate & Lead

• Partner with Marketing, Merchandising, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to execute category initiatives.
• Work with regional leaders to understand store needs and develop solutions that support the business.
• Communicate category strategies, performance insights, and opportunities to key stakeholders.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members, where applicable, to support department goals.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who understands how to manage a category as a business, balancing customer needs, financial performance, and long-term growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in category management, product management, merchandising, purchasing, buying, or a closely related business function.
• Experience developing and executing strategies that improve sales, margins, profitability, or category performance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, sales trends, and market insights to make informed business decisions.
• Experience working with suppliers, managing vendor relationships, or negotiating business agreements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic, results-oriented mindset.

Experience That Will Help You Stand Out

• Previous experience in foodservice, grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related industry.
• Understanding of product assortment planning, pricing strategies, vendor negotiations, and promotional planning.
• Experience managing category budgets, financial performance, or profit-and-loss (P&L) responsibilities.
• Experience leading projects, influencing cross-functional teams, or developing employees.
• Terminal purchasing experience, depending on the assigned product category.

Why This Role Matters

• As a Category Manager, your decisions directly influence the products our stores offer, the value we deliver to customers, and the overall success of our business.
• We're looking for someone who can see the bigger picture, recognize opportunities, build meaningful partnerships, and turn business insights into results.