Category Manager

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Imperial Dade is the leading independently owned and operated distributor of food service packaging and janitorial supplies in North America. As a provider of customized supply chain solutions, we serve customers in many business‑to‑business market segments, including restaurants, grocery stores, healthcare, sports and entertainment, and cruise lines. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in New Jersey, Imperial Dade serves as a mission‑critical partner to more than 120,000 customers through our footprint of 130+ branches.

Category Manager role available in Miami, Orlando, FL;
Jersey City, NJ;
Atlanta, GA; or Tennessee. Salary range: $90,000 - $105,000 (Jersey City market); compensation for other areas will be competitively adjusted.

The Category Manager will lead the national category strategy and execution for assigned product lines. This role is responsible for driving category performance, supplier management, and cross‑functional coordination to support growth within our national distribution network. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in category management, strong financial acumen, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, growth‑oriented distribution environment. This role requires building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, negotiating vendor programs for the best costs, and supporting sales teams with product requirements and go‑to‑market strategies.

• Develop and execute category strategies that drive growth, profitability, and competitive positioning.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate cost and program terms, and align sourcing strategies with company goals.
• Analyze financial and operational KPIs to guide business decisions and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales, supply chain, and marketing teams to optimize product mix, pricing, and private label initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, raw material costs, and competitive activity to inform category strategy.
• Lead product line reviews and rationalization efforts to improve inventory efficiency and category performance.

• 5+ years of experience in category management or product management within a Distribution Environment.
• Packaging, Facilities supply, or Food service experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Strong financial and business analysis skills, including KPI interpretation and decision‑making based on financial drivers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Power BI or similar analytical tools preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge ideas constructively and influence stakeholders across all levels to drive sound, data‑based business decisions.

We offer a dynamic environment for our more than 7,500 employees to work, learn, and grow professionally. We value our people and strive to create rewarding career opportunities by offering competitive salaries and benefits (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) program with company match, life insurance, a generous paid time off package, educational reimbursement, paid family leave, and adoption assistance.

Imperial Dade is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history, or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors.

Our company is a Fair Chance employer, committed to providing opportunities for qualified individuals with past justice system involvement. A conditional offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level.
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time.
• Job function:
  Marketing and Sales.
• Industries:
  Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage.