Food Merchandising & Marketing Manager

Food Merchandising & Marketing Manager at Canteen North America

Location:

Chicago, IL

Pay Range: $74,000.00 – $80,000.00

This individual will lead and support the Midwest Division‑North in advancing our fresh food programs across vending and market channels. The role focuses on driving revenue growth through innovative merchandising strategies, reducing food waste, optimizing product mix execution, and elevating customer engagement through sampling and tastings. Success in this position requires strong collaboration with operational teams and a passion for delivering exceptional consumer experiences.

• Strategic Merchandising:
  Develop and implement merchandising strategies that strengthen fresh food presence, drive same‑store sales growth, and enhance consumer satisfaction.
• Menu Development:
  Collaborate with suppliers to design and maintain rotational menus that support category growth and seasonal trends.
• Pricing Strategy:
  Identify and implement retail pricing opportunities to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive positioning.
• Compliance & Standards:
  Ensure adherence to merchandising and food safety standards across all locations.
• Performance Analysis:
  Evaluate district performance through audit reports and provide actionable insights to improve execution and profitability.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with retail, marketing, and operations teams to deliver cohesive brand experiences and support promotional initiatives.
• Customer Engagement:
  Lead efforts for product sampling and tastings to drive awareness and trial of fresh food offerings.
• Additional Duties:
  Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support business objectives.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in visual merchandising, retail marketing, or related role.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to balance service orientation with assertiveness in decision‑making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Full‑time and part‑time positions offer the following benefits:
Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits (including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program). Full‑time positions also include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canteen maintains a drug‑free workplace.

Req

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.