Job Description

Job Description

Title: Category Manager – Center of the Plate (Protein)

Location: Union County, NJ.

Schedule: Onsite; Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm

Salary: $120,000–$125,000

Bonus: Up to 30% based on overall company performance

Benefits: 401k match (50% up to 6%) · Health/Dental/Vision · HRA/HSA/FSA · Employee Stock Purchase Plan · PTO, sick days, and holidays · 4 personal days after 1 year · 2 weeks of vacation (increasing to 3 weeks after 4 years, plus personal/sick time)

Why You Should Apply:

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager specializing in center-of-the-plate protein products. This position is responsible for building and managing vendor partnerships, driving profitability, and ensuring reliable supply for customers. The ideal candidate will combine strong negotiation skills with deep knowledge of protein purchasing, distribution, and customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee purchasing and inventory management for protein categories, ensuring products are available, cost-effective, and aligned with customer demand.
• Monitor and adjust inventory levels to optimize turns, reduce slow-moving stock, and resolve overstock issues.
• Negotiate favorable terms with vendors, including pricing, freight rates, discounts, and extended payment options.
• Ensure accuracy in pricing, costing, and compliance with audit requirements.
• Manage vendor returns, credits, and bill-backs; coordinate with finance and accounts payable to resolve discrepancies.
• Partner with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Accounting to ensure smooth flow of products and information.
• Serve as the main point of contact for multi-unit accounts and act as liaison with customers on product-related matters.
• Oversee product quality, expiration dates, and recall processes to maintain safety and compliance.
• Provide leadership and training to buyers within the category.
• Perform other related duties to support the department and company goals.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of foodservice distribution or purchasing experience, with a focus on protein.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, supply chain, or related field.
• 7–10 years of purchasing/category management experience in foodservice.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs