Category Manager Bakery

DEPARTMENT:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Category Manager (CM) Bakery serves as a primary contact for cross-functional partners and vendors, driving reliable operational coordination to support profitable category growth and execution excellence. Operating with guidance and direction from Business Development Leadership, this role focuses on the accurate, timely execution of day-to-day business processes, including item setup, price and cost maintenance, promotional entry, and merchandising plans.

Utilizing a collaborative, data-centric approach, the CM supports leadership in category reviews, ad planning, and vendor negotiations to ensure store-level success, inventory flow, and compliance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for store operations, vendors, Distribution, Procurement, Marketing, Merchandising, and the broader category team to support profitable growth, execution excellence, and reliable coordination
• Apply a curious, data-centric approach to support Business Development Leadership in strategic decision-making and category performance analysis
• Manage and execute timely, accurate, and thorough vendor and item setup and maintenance requests to support category operations and execution 
• Execute price and cost business processes accurately and on time, including condition records and contract-related updates
• Maintain and execute pricing strategies and promotional updates, working under the direction of Business Development Leadership and in partnership with the Pricing and Promotional Planning Team to support category objectives
• Build, submit, monitor, and maintain promotions in partnership with the Promotional Planning Team to support sales and execution goals
• Conduct in-store competitor price surveys to support pricing analysis, market awareness, and strategic decision-making
• Travel to regional offices, farms, production facilities, fields, etc. as needed to support strategic partnerships
• Support Business Development Leadership with category reviews, analysis, and cross-functional projects that advance business priorities
• Prepare strategic meeting materials for Joint Business Planning, Top-to-Top, and key business reviews
• Execute merchandising plans and schematic assortments under the guidance of Business Development Leadership, ensuring accurate implementation that aligns with the established category strategy and store-level requirements
• Approve and execute price changes while managing and monitoring overrides to maintain pricing accuracy and control
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable costs, promotional support, and assortment aligned with category strategy, working under the direction of Business Development Leadership with guidance as needed
• Manage product allocation and distribution plans for retail stores to support inventory flow, assortment needs, and in-stock performance
• Develop strategic weekly ad plans by selecting items, offers, and timing that support sales growth, seasonal priorities, and customer relevance
• Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain to align sourcing, replenishment, service levels, and inventory planning with category priorities
• Coordinate with vendors and Data Integrity to maintain current compliance documentation, including ReposiTrak requirements
• Represent the brand at industry events to build relationships, identify opportunities, and gather insights that inform category strategy
• Model company values in authentic and caring ways that support the brand promise and strengthen team collaboration
• Perform other duties and assignments as needed to support business priorities and operational requirements

For fresh categories: 

• Drive innovation, monitor trends, and recommend customer-focused items with consideration for recipes, labor efficiency, shrink, and store execution
• Develop, update, and support recipe and procedural SOPs for retail store execution to drive consistency, quality, labor efficiency, and shrink control

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
• 3+ years of proven success in Category Management or equivalent senior-level experience in Merchandising, Pricing, Promotional Planning, Procurement, or Data Analytics; Grocery industry experience highly preferred
• Professional certification in Category Management (e.g., CPSM, Certified Category Manager) preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and decision support
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies clearly
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and data-driven problem-solving skills
• Proven track record of managing multiple priorities and consistently meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally
• Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset; actively foster innovation, mentors others, and drives disciplined execution
• Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver's License where driving is required to perform the essential functions of the position, including the authorized operation of Company loaner vehicles