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Category Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Requirements Shift Days Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Location Applied Aerospace & Defense, Boylston Category Operations Req Number OPE-26-00003 Position Operations Manager Close Date Post ...

Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Category: Operations and Production Work Location: On‑Site Office Location: Blair, NE, US Job Type: Full Time Job ID: 6219 At Corbion, we exist to champion ...

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Category Operations Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do category operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for category operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a category operations manager?

Category Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of specific product categories within a business, often in retail or e-commerce environments. They manage the end-to-end operations of their assigned categories, including inventory, pricing, promotional strategies, and supplier relationships. Their goal is to maximize profitability, ensure product availability, and enhance the customer experience by analyzing data and coordinating with cross-functional teams. Category Operations Managers play a key role in implementing business strategies and driving growth for their categories.

How does a category operations manager typically collaborate with other departments to drive category performance?

A Category Operations Manager works closely with cross-functional teams such as procurement, marketing, sales, and supply chain to ensure the success of their category. They coordinate with procurement to manage supplier relationships and negotiate terms, while partnering with marketing to plan promotional activities that align with category goals. Additionally, they frequently analyze sales data with the analytics team and communicate with inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels. Effective collaboration ensures the category meets performance targets and aligns with overall business objectives.

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

To thrive as a Category Operations Manager, you need a solid background in supply chain management, data analysis, and category strategy, often supported by a business or related degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, inventory management software, and advanced Excel skills is typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication abilities help foster vendor relationships and drive cross-functional collaboration. These skills are vital for optimizing category performance, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving organizational targets.

What is the difference between Category Operations Manager vs Category Analyst?

AspectCategory Operations ManagerCategory Analyst
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall category performance, manages teams, develops strategiesAnalyzes sales data, monitors trends, provides insights for decision-making
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, project managementData analysis, market research, reporting skills
Work EnvironmentManagement, cross-functional collaboration, strategic planningData-focused, research-driven, reporting tasks
Common UsageRetail, e-commerce, consumer goods companiesRetail, market research firms, supply chain companies

The Category Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and team management within the category, while the Category Analyst primarily conducts data analysis and market research to inform decisions. Both roles are essential in retail and consumer industries but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Category Operations Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Category Operations Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Category Operations Manager job openings:

What states have the most Category Operations Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Category Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

E2638 - Category Operations Manager

US Foods, Inc.

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


US Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE

Join Our Community of Food People!

Support and execute the implementation of US Foods division category strategy across the defined Area. Execute recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs within the defined Area. Support Area sales staff with product assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of merchandising goals for all DCs within that Area. Support all local customer requirements within the defined Area keeping in line with the national strategies coming from the Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop implementation plan for category strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers. Ensure implementation is in alignment with overall US Foods category strategy and goals and defined Area needs.  Drive KPIs across categories (including sales case growth, category penetration, EB penetration, and TM feedback) and competitive market pricing; work with TMs to refine customer product offering, order guides and potential pricing for new accounts.

Review assigned Area product assortment and gauge product penetration, noting slow or dead SKUs as well as growth opportunities. Responsible for profitable sales growth within assigned categories for their Area. Ensure Area product assortment is in alignment with US Foods category strategy and work to reduce SKU duplication.  Ensure all local customer needs are met and aligned with the national strategies.

Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple markets in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners.  Report on new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize Area assortment and core complement.  Communicate changing market conditions and weekly talking points for the sales team and top customers.

Facilitate product training and new product introductions with sales staff. Ensure product/brand message is aligned with overall USF strategy. Work closely with the culinary team, conducting planning meetings to identify accounts and categories and their potential opportunities.

Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and work closely with the Region team on any national or regional vendor issues. Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer on-boarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy.

***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***

SUPERVISION

None

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training: 

Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required.

Work Environment

Onsite: The associate in this role is expected to perform assigned responsibilities inside a US Foods office-based environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 7 years category management experience required, ideally this experience will derive from the food service or food manufacturing industries.

Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups.

Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization.

Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance.

Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, and Excel required, working knowledge of PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

Project management experience

This role may also receive annual incentive plan bonus.
Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html.
 

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds).  The expected base rate for this role is between

$75,000 - $120,000

***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***


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About US Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

US Foods® is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemont, IL, US