Associate Category Manager (Packaging-Consumables)
$100,000–$115,000 year
HybridQuincy, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Manage assigned indirect spend categories, including Third Party Supply Distribution, to support sales growth, member participation, and supplier performance. Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans that align with member needs, while leading competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals. Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing strategies that maximize value, alongside identifying cost-reduction opportunities and implementing supplier consolidation initiatives. Build strong relationships with existing and prospective suppliers, negotiate pricing and volume incentives, and evaluate supplier performance to strengthen partnerships. Serve as a trusted business partner to member-owners by understanding their needs, communicating market insights, and presenting category strategies to internal stakeholders. Analyze sales performance, purchasing trends, and supplier data to support business decisions and develop cost analyses. Partner with internal teams including Operations, Member Services, Finance, and other functional areas to execute category initiatives, with travel to member locations and supplier facilities as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- 3–5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related business function
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful business recommendations
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing business relationships
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Hybrid position based in Quincy office three days per week, with flexibility to work remotely two days per week
Desired Qualifications
- Experience supporting indirect spend or procurement categories
- Experience within grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), foodservice, wholesale, or distribution industries
- Experience using Salesforce, Tableau, Fastmarkets, or similar business intelligence and market reporting platforms
- Experience presenting business recommendations to customers, leadership teams, or executive stakeholders
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