Category Manager

Category Manager - United States at Bunzl Distribution NA

We are seeking a strategic source, strategist for non‑consumable product categories in Grocery, Food Service, Janitorial and Processor business segments. The role resides in the United States near a major airport.

The Category Manager develops and implements category‑specific sourcing strategies that deliver profitable growth. Key responsibilities include brand strategy, private‑label development, sustainable packaging product lines, and strong import procurement experience.

• Ownership of assigned product category performance and overall portfolio health.
• Strategic engagement with supplier community to develop and implement initiatives that enable profitable growth.
• Monitor category health and manage the product lifecycle.
• Develop category and market expertise to support assortment strategy, using market trends and competitive analysis.
• Leverage market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs and competitive pricing.
• Monitor market needs, trends, and competitor products, adjusting production schedules and positioning.
• Create "Best Value" product opportunities that balance performance, customer acceptance, and continuous improvement.
• Develop pricing policies and negotiate vendor programs to improve margin and positioning.
• Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and volume cost opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships and execute performance management initiatives in collaboration with business partners.
• Lead multiple projects within assigned categories, meeting timelines and providing proactive status communication.
• Establish category ownership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support sales staff with product requirements, costing, go‑to‑market strategy, and rapid new‑product implementation.
• Recommend new and different packaging products as they become available.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years in Category Management or related business experience.
• Import procurement experience strongly preferred.
• Distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Solid knowledge of marketing and sales principles.
• Solutions oriented thinker and doer.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in negotiation and best‑in‑class practices.
• Strong ability to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial, and business risk.
• Working knowledge of raw materials used in food service, janitorial, and processor packaging; existing relationships with manufacturers preferred.
• Ability to work across a matrix, global organization.
• Strong partnership builder and influence skills; teamwork across multi‑functional teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Planning, organizational, time‑management, and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Multi‑tasking ability, with capacity to change direction quickly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Bunzl salary range: $110,000–$145,000 base (plus bonus), determined by experience, education, and market data.

Bunzl is a global leader in Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. Our North America operation serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and Mexico, with over 5,000 employees.

Competitive salaries, comfortable work environment, 401(k) with company match, and full benefits package.

Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. We attract and retain qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Marketing and Sales