Category Manager

Fresh Edge is a growing network of produce and specialty distributors serving customers across 25 states. We combine strong local relationships with shared scale, infrastructure, and expertise. As our non-produce business expands, we are strengthening our Non-Foods and Disposables categories to better serve customers and drive profitability.

Fresh Edge is looking for a Category Manager of Non-Foods & Disposables who will own category performance and translate merchandising strategy into consistent execution across our operating companies. This role requires hands‑on ownership, practical judgment, and the ability to influence in a decentralized environment.

This is a growth‑oriented role for a Category Manager who wants to dramatically expand and improve a category, not simply manage day‑to‑day execution. The right candidate will bring energy, initiative, and a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better results.

Essential Functions:

• Own category performance across sales, margin, product mix, inventory productivity, and other key measures
• Turn category direction into clear, executable plans across Merchandising, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales
• Actively pursue new vendor, assortment, and pricing opportunities that accelerate category growth
• Leverage your existing vendor relationships within non‑foods and disposables to accelerate growth and improve commercial terms
• Evaluate vendor programs, freight structures, and material cost drivers (e.g., resin, pulp, corrugate) to optimize net product cost
• Identify opportunities to consolidate volume with strategic suppliers while protecting service and assortment flexibility
• Stay current on market drivers impacting non‑foods categories, including raw material volatility and supply chain dynamics
• Actively expand and strengthen relationships with key national and regional suppliers
• Eliminate underperforming items and complexity with discipline and speed
• Raise performance expectations and collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure execution
• Determine which vendors and assortments should scale across the network while respecting local needs
• Identify growth opportunities and quickly remove unproductive items or complexity
• Drive adoption across independently operated OpCos by tying recommendations to local economics and service models and developing compelling value propositions
• Keep customer needs, competitive dynamics, and operational realities front and center in decisions
• Deep familiarity with non‑foods and disposable product categories and supplier landscape
• Strong network of supplier contacts within packaging, disposables, and related segments
• Understanding of cost drivers in non‑food categories, including raw materials, freight, and manufacturing inputs
• Ability to negotiate programs and pricing structures beyond list pricing
• Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action and a desire to win
• Commercially driven and motivated by measurable results
• Comfortable making decisions and standing behind them
• Clear and effective communicator who can influence without relying solely on formal authority
• Strong cross‑functional collaborator
• Comfortable operating in a growing, multi‑site organization
• Ability to quickly gain proficiency navigating unfamiliar reporting systems and platforms

Education & Experience:

• Direct experience managing non‑foods, disposables, packaging, paper goods, chemicals, or related categories
• Demonstrated success negotiating vendor agreements and improving cost position within non‑food segments
• Established vendor relationships within the non‑foods and disposables industry
• Experience managing direct import programs is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in…