Specialty Foods Category Manager

Description

Mothers Market & Kitchen is seeking a strategic food- and beverage-savvy leader to drive growth and innovation in our Specialty Foods Cheese Beer and Wine categories. The Specialty Foods Category Manager owns category strategy financial performance vendor partnerships and promotional planning ensuring exceptional customer experience while upholding our high-quality sustainably minded brand values.

This is an opportunity to blend commercial insight culinary knowledge and operational collaboration to deliver a differentiated assortment that delights customers and drives profitability.

Pay Range: $80000 $90000 Annually

Benefits: Medical dental vision life insurance & in-store discounts

What You Will Do

Lead Category Strategy & Merchandising

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with corporate financial goals and brand positioning.

• Define assortment architecture balancing core seasonal innovative and local offerings.

• Analyze sales performance market trends and customer insights to optimize assortment and space allocation.

• Lead category reviews new item launches and product transitions.

Own Financial & Performance Management

• Manage category-level P&L including sales gross margin shrink and inventory productivity.

• Establish pricing strategies aligned with competitive benchmarks and margin objectives.

• Forecast demand manage inventory levels and implement strategies to reduce waste while maintaining service levels.

Drive Vendor & Contract Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with vendors and suppliers including negotiations on pricing terms and promotional funding.

• Evaluate vendor performance and enforce adherence to company standards sustainability goals and compliance requirements.

• Identify new suppliers and products to expand the assortment and drive category growth.

Plan and Execute Promotions

• Develop promotional calendars in partnership with Marketing and Operations teams.

• Ensure flawless execution of seasonal programs in-store events and product launches.

• Measure promotional performance and adjust strategies based on results and insights.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with Operations Supply Chain Marketing Finance and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless execution.

• Support store teams with planograms merchandising standards and category-specific guidance.

• Contribute to process improvements and best practices across category management.

Ensure Compliance & Quality Standards

• Maintain full compliance with federal state and local regulations governing alcohol sales and distribution.

• Uphold food safety ingredient integrity labeling and documentation standards.

• Champion responsible alcohol retailing and adherence to company policies.

What You Bring

• 2 years of experience in category management buying or merchandising (grocery specialty foods or beverage preferred).

• Experience managing financial performance and negotiating vendor contracts.

• Proficiency in data analysis forecasting and category management systems.

• Strong communication presentation and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to travel as required.

Preferred

• Expertise in specialty cheese beer and/or wine categories.

• Experience in natural organic or specialty retail environments.

• Cross-functional leadership experience in merchandising or operations.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen

• Analytical and data-driven decision-making

• Vendor negotiation and partnership management

• Cross-functional collaboration and influence

• Innovation trends and category expertise

• Attention to detail and operational excellence

Schedule Requirements
Flexible availability across various shifts and locations including weekends and evenings

Why Join Mothers Market

Youll be part of a mission-driven company that values wellness sustainability and outstanding customer service. We foster an inclusive workplace where team members are respected and encouraged to grow.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mothers Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race color religion gender sexual orientation age disability or any other protected status.

Make Health Your MissionApply Today!

If youre ready to lead with passion support your team and make a real impact at Mothers Market wed love to meet you.