Area Category Manager

US Foods is seeking an Area Category Manager to lead regional category strategy in our wholesale food service business. In this performance-driven, customer-focused role, you will optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions using data and market insights to drive sales, margin, and customer value across multiple markets. You will manage vendor relationships, negotiate costs and programs, and partner closely with sales, culinary, and supply chain teams.

This position offers growth, visibility to leadership, and the chance to impact how customers Make It nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional category strategies aligned with national programs and local market needs.
• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate costs and terms, and support rebate/program compliance.
• Partner with sales and culinary teams to build customer-focused category solutions and launches.
• Forecast demand and collaborate with supply chain to ensure availability and minimize waste.
• Monitor competitive landscape and customer trends to identify growth and margin opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve category performance and operational efficiency.
• Prepare reporting and recommendations for regional leadership on category performance.
• Support training and communication to sales teams on category programs and value propositions.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and corporate compliance standards.

Required Skills

• Category management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Pricing and margin management
• Supplier negotiation
• Food service or CPG merchandising
• Demand forecasting
• Inventory and supply planning
• Advanced Excel/BI tools
• Contract and rebate management
• Cross-functional collaboration