Associate Category Manager (Packaging-Consumables

Overview

Topco Associates is seeking an Associate Category Manager to join our Indirect Spend team in Quincy, MA. This hybrid position is based in our Quincy office three days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week.

In this role, you will support members' store supply and packaging needs within Third Party Supply Distribution. The Associate Category Manager plays an important role in managing a complex high-value category while developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and delivering value-driven solutions that help our member-owners remain competitive in their markets. Working closely with suppliers, members, and internal cross-functional teams, you'll help identify opportunities to improve cost, strengthen programs, and support long-term category growth.

This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and is ideal for someone who enjoys analyzing data, negotiating with suppliers, building relationships, and taking the time to understand customer needs to develop tailored solutions that drive meaningful business outcomes, improve operational efficiency and enhance financial performance.

About Topco

Topco's mission is to deliver sourcing, procurement, and business solutions that help our member-owners achieve a competitive advantage. We partner with regional retailers, wholesalers, and food service organizations across the country to provide programs and services that create long-term value.

We believe diverse perspectives drive stronger ideas, better decisions, and greater innovation. We're committed to building collaborative teams that reflect the communities our members serve while fostering an environment where employees can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Category Strategy & Business Management

• Manage assigned indirect spend categories, including Third Party Supply Distribution, to support sales growth, member participation, profitability, and supplier performance.
• Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans that align with member needs and business priorities.
• Lead competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and incumbent business reviews.
• Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing or procurement strategies that maximize value for members.
• Lead supplier selection, award recommendations, and implementation activities.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation initiatives, and value-added services.
• Evaluate category performance and identify opportunities to improve programs, introduce new products or services, and enhance member value.
• Monitor industry, competitive, and consumer trends to support informed category decisions and long-term planning.

Supplier & Strategic Sourcing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, volume incentives, and contract terms that support member savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities to strengthen supplier partnerships and implement corrective actions.
• Explore alternative sourcing and distribution strategies to improve cost efficiencies and supply reliability.
• Ensure execution of program requirements, reporting obligations, pricing structures, and contractual commitments.

Member Engagement

• Serve as a trusted business partner to member-owners by understanding their needs and recommending category solutions that support their business goals.
• Communicate market insights, pricing trends and data-driven insights to drive informed decisions.
• Present category strategies, business updates, and market analyses to member groups and internal stakeholders.
• Build credibility through responsive communication and a customer-focused approach that encourages participation in Topco programs.

Analytics & Business Insights

• Analyze sales performance, purchasing trends, supplier data, and market intelligence to support business decisions.
• Develop cost analyses, business cases, and recommendations that help members optimize purchasing decisions.
• Measure category performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and member engagement.
• Support reporting and presentations with clear, data-driven insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partners with internal teams including Operations, Member Services, Finance, and other functional areas to execute category initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that improve programs, processes, and the overall member experience.
• Travel to member locations, supplier facilities, and industry events as business needs require.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related business…