Category Manager (Food)

The Category Manager (Food) is responsible for the strategic management and overall performance of assigned food categories such as Fresh, Frozen, Grocery, Snacks, Beverages, or related segments. This role drives category growth through effective assortment planning, pricing strategies, promotions, supplier partnerships, and inventory management.

The Category Manager ensures that product selections meet customer needs while delivering sales, margin, and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Development Develop and execute category strategies based on market trends, consumer insights, and competitive analysis. Identify growth opportunities and define short-term and long-term plans for assigned food categories. Ensure the category aligns with the overall business direction.
2. Product & Assortment Management Manage the full product lifecycle: selection, listing, pricing, and SKU optimization. Build a balanced assortment of high-demand, competitive, and innovative food products. Introduce new products and evaluate performance for continuous improvement. Ensure availability of staple and key items across stores and channels.
3. Sales, Profitability & Inventory Management Track and analyze category sales, margins, and profitability KPIs. Drive initiatives to achieve targets and address gaps in category performance. Monitor inventory levels, prevent out-of-stock issues, and minimize aged or slow-moving stocks. Work with Supply Chain teams for accurate forecasts and replenishment.
4. Vendor & Supplier Management Build strong relationships with food suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers. Lead negotiations on pricing, payment terms, trading deals, and promotional support. Conduct regular business reviews and performance assessments with suppliers. Ensure food safety compliance and quality standards are met.
5. Promotions & Pricing Strategy Develop pricing strategies to stay competitive while maintaining margins. Plan and implement promotional calendars, trade deals, and marketing activations. Coordinate with Marketing and Operations for in-store and online execution. Evaluate promo effectiveness and optimize future campaigns.
6. Merchandising & Store Execution Collaborate with Merchandising for planogram design and display strategies. Ensure optimal product visibility and planogram compliance. Work closely with Operations to address store-level category concerns.
7. Reporting & Analytics Prepare regular reports on category performance, sales trends, forecasts, and competitor pricing. Use data and insights to make strategic decisions and recommendations. Monitor customer behavior and adjust category plans as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Technology, Management, or related field. At least 5-10 years experience as a Category Manager, Buyer, or Merchandiser in a food-related industry. Strong understanding of food retail, supply chain, and consumer behavior. Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.

Proficient in MS Excel, data analysis, and category management tools. Strong analytical and decision-making skills Highly organized and able to manage multiple categories in a fast-paced environment.