Associate Category Manager | Meat at Associated… · Kansas…

ASSOCIATE CATEGORY MANAGER | MEAT Location: Kansas City, KS, United States Associate Category Manager | Meat Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106 Work Model: Hybrid Department: Meat Merchandising Make us your BEST Choice!    I. JOB SUMMARY The Associate Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within assigned category(s) for AWG and its Members. This role partners cross-functionally within the organization and collaborates closely with supplier partners to execute category strategies and achieve shared business objectives. The Associate Category Manager owns item-level decision-making within assigned categories, including product assortment, promotional planning, pricing strategies, vendor negotiations, shelf placement recommendations, procurement optimization, and item-derived income opportunities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring category programs remain competitive, aligned with market trends, and focused on delivering quality products at the best possible cost. There are no supervisory responsibilities.   II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and execute category strategies and initiatives that support sales growth and profitability goals. • Build and maintain comprehensive expertise in our products and categories, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity. • Analyze category performance data to identify opportunities for growth, optimization, and operational efficiencies. • Conduct regular category reviews to evaluate assortment, performance, pricing, and promotional effectiveness. • Develop sales-driving programs that balance corporate objectives with market and Member flexibility. • Manage vendor relationships, negotiations, and funding opportunities to maximize category performance and profitability. • Support pricing, promotional planning, product mix, and assortment decisions within assigned categories. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Accounting, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations to ensure successful execution of category initiatives. • Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging products to maintain relevant and innovative category offerings. • Ensure efficient and profitable procurement practices while maintaining service and quality standards. • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, supplier partners, and AWG Members regarding category strategies and initiatives.   3. POSITION REQUIREMENTS Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field preferred. • Related experience in retail, merchandising, category management, supply chain, procurement, or business operations preferred. • Advanced analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills with strong attention to detail. • Strong proficiency in Google Workspace applications and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in AWG systems preferred • Ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets to support business decisions. • Effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills. • Ability to influence and work effectively across cross-functional teams. • Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, operations, category management, and financial principles.   4. Travel Requirements • Minimal travel required (less than 10%). • Travel will include visits to AWG Member retail locations, distribution centers, supplier partner locations, and industry or trade-related events. • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel requirements.   5.  WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS • Ability to work effectively in office, retail, and distribution center environments, which may include varying noise levels, temperatures, and operational conditions, as business needs require.  • Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, as well as the ability to read and interpret information on computer screens, reports, and other documents • Requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, video conference, and electronic communication. • May occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies and materials weighing up to 10 pounds. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, and other repetitive hand movements is required.   Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.   Benefits: • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance • Health Savings Account • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account • Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time • 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions • Tuition Reimbursement • Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D • Employee Assistance Program • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability  • Wellness Program • Yearly Holiday Bonus