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Category Operations Manager Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Partner with Operations, Training, and Field teams to support successful in-store execution ... of experience in category management, merchandising, foodservice, retail, or CPG * Strong ...

... Category and Merchandise Managers in the management of day-to-day local vendor contact for all ... Responsible for the planning, tracking, and execution of vendor/operations sales incentives and/or ...

New

Unified Front:​ Collect inputs from regional supply chain and operation leaders to engage the ... including category management, strategic sourcing * Experience managing global suppliers and ...

Collect inputs from regional supply chain and operation leaders to engage the supplier with one ... including category management, strategic sourcing * Experience managing global suppliers and ...

As Category Leader - MRO, youwill own a portfolio of 3 to 4 MRO subcategories within a broader ... Expertise in managing supplier escalations, corrective actions, and recovery plans. Operational ...

As Category Leader - MRO, youwill own a portfolio of 3 to 4 MRO subcategories within a broader ... Expertise in managing supplier escalations, corrective actions, and recovery plans. Operational ...

Showing results 21-40

Category Operations Manager information

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.

Is a category operations manager a high paying job?

A category operations manager typically earns a competitive salary that varies by industry, location, and experience level. These roles often require strong organizational and leadership skills, and they can offer higher compensation compared to entry-level positions, especially in large organizations or specialized sectors.

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 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 popular job titles related to Category Operations Manager jobs in Arizona?

For Category Operations Manager jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Category Operations Manager jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Operations Manager jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Category Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Category Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Category Operations Manager job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Associate Category Manager - Deli

Sprouts Farmers Market

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Sprouts Farmers Market rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 820 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Overview
The Associate Category Manager - Deli is responsible for the development and execution of customer-focused category strategies for assigned Deli categories. This position owns all aspects of category performance including assortment planning, product innovation, merchandising, pricing, promotions, sourcing, and supplier management while partnering with the Deli Director on broader department initiatives.
The Associate Category Manager is accountable for delivering sales, margin, and inventory goals through daily business management and execution of both short and long-term category plans. This role requires a strong customer mindset, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify trends and opportunities that drive profitable growth.
Based in Phoenix - hybrid schedule in office Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
Essential Functions
Own Category Performance
  • Develop and execute annual and seasonal category plans aligned with department and company objectives
  • Own sales, margin, shrink, and inventory turn performance for assigned categories
  • Monitor business performance and proactively identify opportunities and risks
  • Utilize data, reporting, and customer insights to drive category decisions
  • Develop and implement action plans to achieve financial objectives

Lead Category Strategy & Execution
  • Own assortment planning, pricing, promotion, merchandising, and product lifecycle management for assigned categories
  • Manage item introductions, product transitions, category reviews, and resets
  • Evaluate product performance and make assortment recommendations that improve customer experience and financial performance
  • Partner with operations teams to ensure effective execution in stores
  • Support new store openings and category expansion initiatives

Drive Innovation & Customer Foucs
  • Identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities
  • Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to develop new products and programs
  • Lead product evaluations, testing, and launch activities
  • Continuously improve assortment productivity and differentiation

Manage Supplier Partnerships
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with supplier partners
  • Support negotiations, business reviews, cost management initiatives, and promotional planning
  • Work closely with suppliers to improve product quality, packaging, service levels, and innovation
  • Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure consistent product availability.

Cross Functional Leadership
  • Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams
  • Partner with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, Food Safety, and Procurement teams to execute category strategies
  • Provide stores with information, tools, and guidance that support successful category execution
  • Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and supplier presentations to support business objectives

Adapt & Deliver Results
  • Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams
  • Partner with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, Food Safety, and Procurement teams to execute category strategies
  • Provide stores with information, tools, and guidance that support successful category execution
  • Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and supplier presentations to support business objectives

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Physical Requirements
  • Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of merchandising, category management, buying, or business planning experience
  • Previous buying, sourcing, or vendor management experience preferred
  • Requires long-term strategic and financial planning skills and a customer-focused mindset
  • Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and reporting tools
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
  • Complete understanding of P&L statements, margins, and inventory management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Some travel required

Benefits
In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:
  • Competitive pay
  • Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
  • Vacation accrual plan
  • Opportunities for career growth
  • 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
  • Flexible schedules
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:
  • Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
  • Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account with company match
  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
  • Company paid short-term disability coverage
  • Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
  • Paid holidays

Get Paid Every Day!
Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you're hired as an eligible employee, you'll be able to transfer the money you've already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. We offer DailyPay so you don't have to wait for payday to access the money you've already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you've made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday.
You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/.
Why Sprouts
Grow with us!
If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer's market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts' management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.
California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.

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