Director of Category Management

Job Description

Job Description

At Ferraro Foods, we are more than a distributor—we're a trusted partner to restaurants, pizzerias, retailers, and foodservice operators across the country. Through strong supplier partnerships, innovative product solutions, and a customer-first mindset, we help our customers succeed every day.

We're looking for an experienced Director of Category Management to lead the strategic direction of key product categories across our business. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for developing category strategies that drive revenue growth, strengthen supplier partnerships, improve profitability, and create competitive advantages across our distribution network.

If you enjoy building winning category strategies, negotiating supplier partnerships, collaborating with Sales and Marketing, and turning data into business results, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• You'll own the complete lifecycle of your assigned categories, developing and executing strategies that drive profitable growth while delivering value to our customers and supplier partners.
• In this role, you'll lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage the end-to-end RFP process, conduct category reviews, evaluate assortment opportunities, negotiate supplier agreements, and develop pricing strategies that balance customer value with margin performance.
• You'll partner closely with Sales and Marketing to develop commercial strategies, branding initiatives, promotional programs, and vendor-funded marketing opportunities that increase customer penetration, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive category growth.
• Working cross-functionally with Procurement, Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership, you'll identify market opportunities, analyze category performance, optimize product assortments, improve inventory productivity, and recommend strategies that enhance profitability and customer satisfaction.
• You'll also serve as the business leader for your assigned categories by presenting category reviews, market insights, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership while supporting regional sales teams through product expertise, customer presentations, and commercial initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• We're seeking a strategic, commercially minded category management leader with experience driving profitable growth within foodservice distribution, wholesale food distribution, or a closely related industry.
• The ideal candidate has successfully developed category strategies, led RFPs, negotiated supplier agreements and vendor programs, conducted category reviews, optimized product assortments, and partnered closely with Sales and Marketing to deliver measurable business results.
• This role is ideal for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where leaders are empowered to make decisions, build relationships, and drive meaningful change. Success requires the ability to think strategically while remaining actively involved in day-to-day execution.

The Ingredients for Success

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Finance, Food Science, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Category Management, Procurement, Merchandising, Strategic Sourcing, or Foodservice Distribution.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic sourcing initiatives, RFPs, supplier negotiations, vendor programs, and contract management.
• Experience conducting category reviews, developing assortment strategies, and driving profitable category growth.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience partnering closely with Sales and Marketing on branding strategies, promotional initiatives, and commercial growth programs.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements, marketing programs, rebates, and commercial partnerships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate sales, margin, inventory, and market data to support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience presenting business reviews and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or similar business intelligence tools preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Why Ferraro Foods?

At Ferraro Foods, you'll have the opportunity to make a measurable impact within a growing organization where your expertise will directly influence category strategy, supplier partnerships, commercial initiatives, and long-term business performance.

You'll work alongside experienced leaders in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking are valued. Here, you'll have the autonomy to make decisions, build relationships, and help shape the future of category management across the organization.

The Details

• Schedule: Monday – Friday | Standard Business Hours
• Work Location: Onsite | Piscataway, NJ
• Travel: As needed to support supplier relationships, regional teams, customer meetings, and industry events.
• Compensation: $125,000–$165,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company contribution, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and additional voluntary benefits.

If you're a strategic, hands-on category leader who enjoys building supplier partnerships, leading commercial initiatives, and driving profitable growth, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join Ferraro Foods.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Ferraro Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Mon - Fri | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM