Job Description

Join to apply for the Category Manager (1091187) role at The Judge Group 16 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Category Manager (1091187) role at The Judge Group Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Description Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact. Location: Newark, NJ Salary: Depends on Experience Description Strategic Purchasing & Inventory | Fortune 500 Food Distributor Optimize. Strategize. Lead with Impact. Are you ready to elevate your career in food distribution with one of the most recognized names in the industry? We're seeking a dynamic Category Manager to oversee purchasing, financial strategy, and customer relationships across a key product category. This is a rare opportunity to drive profitability, streamline operations, and influence the future of food distribution. What You’ll Own Strategic Inventory Management Maintain optimal stock levels to meet customer demand while maximizing inventory turns and reducing dead stock. Identify opportunities to consolidate low-volume items and vendors. Financial Precision & Profitability Monitor and improve category performance using key financial indicators: in-stock percentages, cost of goods sold, days payable, earned income, and margin optimization. Vendor Negotiation & Relations Negotiate strategic terms including freight rates, buy brackets, extended payment schedules, and backhaul credits. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure price accuracy, quality, and service excellence. Operational Excellence Coordinate with Accounting to manage billbacks, storage charges, and vendor invoicing. Resolve discrepancies and streamline returns. Collaborate with internal teams to maintain transparent, efficient workflows. Multi-Unit Account Partnership Serve as the key liaison for Area Managers and Multi-Unit Account Executives. Support category-specific customer needs—especially in high-touch areas like dairy and perishables. Quality Assurance & Compliance Monitor expiration dates, manage recalls, and ensure proper disposal protocols. Uphold category integrity through proactive issue resolution and continuous communication. What You Bring Background & Experience: High School Diploma required (Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain preferred) 4+ years of purchasing experience in food distribution 2+ years in a supervisory or category leadership role Skills & Expertise: Exceptional supplier negotiation skills and vendor relationship management Strong inventory control and costing/pricing acumen Fluent English communication (Spanish bilingualism a major plus) Proficiency with desktop systems and analytical tools Why This Role Rocks: You’ll be a Strategic Driver of growth and innovation in a mission-critical product category You’ll be at the Center of It All — interfacing with every major department in a collaborative, high-performance environment You’ll Help Shape the Industry through category-level decisions that impact supply chains, customer satisfaction, and product quality at scale Compensation...with salary and bonus, you can earn up to a total of $150,000 in your first year. Join a Fortune 500 powerhouse where your strategic thinking, leadership, and market savvy will be recognized and rewarded. Apply Now and redefine what’s possible in food category management. By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help. Contact: rarritola@judge.com This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Marketing and Sales Industries Business Consulting and Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Judge Group by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Category Manager” roles. 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