Food Service Category Manager

The Food Service Category Manager supports the day-to-day management and execution of Food Service categories, menu platforms, and strategic initiatives.

This position serves as the key link between vendors, menu development, financials, Pricebook and kiosk setup, Marketing, Operations, Training, and launch execution.

Working closely with Food Service leadership, the Category Manager coordinates menu changes, product launches, promotions, pricing, costing, system setup, and project timelines to ensure initiatives move efficiently from development through store implementation.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and capable of managing multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities Support the development and execution of Food Service category strategies, menu platforms, promotional programs, and initiatives aligned with company goals.

Coordinate menu and product development activities, including product specifications, recipes, costing, pricing, samples, tastings, testing, product assortments, menu changes, and supporting documentation.

Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities for new products, menu innovation, pricing, and category growth.

Maintain accurate ingredient and recipe costs, monitor vendor cost changes, and prepare pricing, gross profit, margin, and competitive analyses to support sales and profitability objectives.

Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, brokers, and other Food Service partners while coordinating product information, pricing, availability, samples, promotional support, and required follow-up.

Support vendor negotiations and track contracts, pricing, promotional funding, rebates, allowances, and other vendor commitments.

Monitor vendor performance and assist with resolving service, supply, or compliance issues.

Coordinate with Pricebook and IT on new items, recipes, pricing, modifiers, kiosk pathways, menu configurations, system testing, and other requirements associated with menu changes and launches.

Partner with Marketing and Operations to support the Food Service promotional calendar, including menu descriptions, photography, digital assets, signage, merchandising, product placement, and promotional materials.

Coordinate with Operations and Training to ensure recipes, portion standards, procedures, planograms, training materials, distribution, and operational requirements are complete prior to implementation.

Manage project and launch timelines across vendors, Food Service, Finance, Pricebook, IT, Marketing, Operations, Training, and other stakeholders to ensure deliverables, approvals, testing, and outstanding items remain on schedule.

Monitor category performance, including sales, units, gross profit, margins, product mix, inventory, attachment rates, and promotional results.

Provide reporting, insights, and recommendations to Food Service leadership.

Conduct regular p...