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Category Manager Foodservice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Wholesale

Category Manager-Foodservice

Lacey, WA · On-site

$81K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview The Category Manager for Foodservice is focused upon leading the analysis, product selection, and selling of a specified category of products to align with current and future needs while ...

Harbor Wholesale

Category Manager-Foodservice

Lacey, WA · Hybrid

$81K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview The Category Manager for Foodservice is focused upon leading the analysis, product selection, and selling of a specified category of products to align with current and future needs while ...

Harbor Wholesale

Category Manager-Foodservice

Lacey, WA · Hybrid

$81K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Category Manager for Foodservice is focused upon leading the analysis, product selection, and selling of a specified category of products to align with current and future needs while championing ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Tempe, AZ

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Tampa, FL · On-site

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Raleigh, NC

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Columbus, IN

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Charlotte, NC

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Pensacola, FL

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Circle K

Category Manager, Hot Foods

Nashville, TN · On-site

Position Summary The Category Manager - Foodservice is responsible for managing and growing assigned Foodservice categories through strong collaboration with Business Units, vendor partners, and ...

Performance Foodservice

Category Manager

Oakwood, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Category Manager will work On-Site in Oakwood, GA * Directly supervises team of 4-5 buyers ... Foodservice / Food Distribution background highly preferred. We Deliver the Goods: * Competitive ...

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All JobsCategory Foodservice JobsCategory Manager Foodservice Jobs

Category Manager Foodservice information

See salary details

$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do category manager foodservice jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for category manager foodservice in the United States is $93,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a category manager foodservice?

Category Managers in Foodservice are professionals responsible for overseeing specific product categories within foodservice operations, such as restaurants, catering companies, or institutional dining. They analyze market trends, select and source products, negotiate with suppliers, and develop strategies to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction for their assigned categories. Category Managers also collaborate with marketing, sales, and culinary teams to ensure the right products are available and promoted effectively. Their role is crucial in optimizing product assortment, pricing, and supplier relationships to drive business growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a category manager foodservice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Category Manager Foodservice, you need strong analytical skills, experience in procurement or supply chain management, and a relevant degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with category management software, data analytics tools, and ERP systems is typically required, along with certifications like CPM or CPSM being advantageous. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills help you collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for optimizing product assortment, driving profitability, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a competitive foodservice industry.

How does a category manager foodservice typically collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to optimize product offerings?

A Category Manager Foodservice works closely with suppliers to negotiate contracts, ensure quality standards, and identify emerging trends in the foodservice industry. Internally, they partner with procurement, marketing, and culinary teams to analyze sales data, develop promotional strategies, and introduce new products that meet customer demands. Regular cross-functional meetings and data-driven decision-making are key aspects of the role, fostering a collaborative environment that drives both profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Category Manager Foodservice vs Product Manager Foodservice?

AspectCategory Manager FoodserviceProduct Manager Foodservice
Primary FocusManaging foodservice product categories, supplier relationships, and category performanceDeveloping and managing specific foodservice products, product lifecycle, and features
Work EnvironmentSupply chain, procurement, and category analysis in foodservice industryProduct development, marketing, and cross-functional teams in foodservice
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in business, marketing, or supply chain; industry experienceLikewise, often a degree in business, marketing, or related field; industry experience

The main difference is that a Category Manager Foodservice oversees entire product categories and supplier relationships, focusing on category performance and procurement strategies. In contrast, a Product Manager Foodservice concentrates on specific products, managing their development, features, and lifecycle. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the foodservice industry, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Category Manager Foodservice jobs

What cities are hiring for Category Manager Foodservice jobs?

Cities with the most Category Manager Foodservice job openings:

What states have the most Category Manager Foodservice jobs?

States with the most job openings for Category Manager Foodservice jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Category Manager Foodservice jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Manager Foodservice jobs are:

Category Manager Foodservice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Manager Foodservice job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Category Manager-Foodservice

Harbor Wholesale

Lacey, WA • On-site

$81K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Harbor Wholesale rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Overview
The Category Manager for Foodservice is focused upon leading the analysis, product selection, and selling of a specified category of products to align with current and future needs while championing the profitability of the category. The position requires a progressive thinker who can develop, guide, and own initiatives from start to finish.
This role requires an acute attention to detail and experience moving through demanding and competitive requirements that encompass outstanding communication and strategic thinking skills. The Category Manager role requires interaction with the vendor community, a broad range of Harbor Wholesale departments and supporting software programs to stay ahead of trends and drive the category to next level of growth effectively.
*This position is hybrid with three(3) days onsite at Harbor's corporate offices in Lacey, WA or onsite at our California offices/Modesto, CA; two days remote.
Compensation: $81,468 - $92,000 Annually DOE + bonus
Benefits Summary: Benefits for Harbor Team Members include PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:
  • Formulate category business plan and implement tactics for product assortment, pricing, promotions, advertising, and logistics to maximize sales and profitability.
  • Maintain and build an optimal assortment of items and total SKU count for three (3) distribution centers servicing six (6) states, to achieve category objectives and satisfy the diverse needs of our expansive customer base.
  • Be Harbor's champion in developing and executing outstanding programs to drive profitable growth across our Foodservice portfolio of products. This includes collaborative guidance and focus on our internal QSR solutions which include but are not limited to Mein St., Skipper's, Skratch, Mexigo, and Via Vita Pizza.
  • Build Harbor's profitability by harnessing the power of our Private brands (IMA) by building scale and reach of these products.
  • Develop and foster strong vendor relationships to maximize opportunities, including negotiation of cost of goods, marketing support and rebates.
  • Stay on the pulse of shifting consumer demands and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the industry by visiting our retailers, competition, tradeshows, and through studying industry data and news.
  • Source product within category which will create value and excitement for our customers to in turn lead to profitable growth and competitive advantages for the company.
  • Collaborate with Food Service Developers and our marketing team regarding product, promotional, and customer needs.
  • Be an expert in Food Service that can communicate that expertise in a practical form to the sales team to help impact our customers.
  • Secure an in-depth knowledge of the industry by visiting our retailers, competition, tradeshows, and through studying industry data and news.
  • Establish and maintain accurate pricing, margins, and deal setup in accordance with category objectives.
  • Support buyers with direction on seasonal or promotional changes in demand, information about optimal purchase brackets, and inventory levels as necessary to meet margin, fill rate, and turn goals for each category.
  • Complete trimester projects that are impactful and drive profitable growth for the category and company.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Skilled in judgment and decision making - considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions with an acute attention to detail.
  • Superior quantitative and analytical skills. The ability and desire to work and lead within a team setting, drive team results and enthusiastically lead change management within the organization.
  • Possesses a high degree of motivation, the ability to prioritize and self-direct, strong business acumen and sound interpersonal skills. Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
  • Superior negotiation skills, as well as excellent communication skills required. Demonstrates a commitment to utilizing the skills of influence, persuasion, and negotiation to achieve required goals.
  • Knowledge of ERP systems or other similar scope of software/enterprise systems.
  • Strategic understanding and skills contributing to sales and gross profit margin demonstrated by past employment.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration or experience in related field.
  • Must have 2-5 years' experience and a network within the wholesale/retail consumer product goods industry.
  • Relevant product management experience in Category Management, advanced merchandising or buying preferably in relevant Confection product wholesale/retail/manufacturing environments will be preferred.

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