Resume and JobRESUME AND JOB
US Foods logo

Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate

US Foods

Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate

full-timePosted: Jan 14, 2026

Job Description

Categories: Category Management, Sales Support, Supply Chain

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

Join Our Community of Food People!

This position is a fully onsite position.

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 and DC 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.

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. Request exception SKUs, as needed, to finalize Area assortment, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans. 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 are aligned with the national strategies.

Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple DCs in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners.  Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs.

Facilitate product training and new product introductions, with DSS, Specialists and sales staff. Ensure product/brand message is in alignment 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.

SUPERVISION

None

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:       Regional, Area and Distribution Center staff, up to and including members of the leadership team.

External:      Customers, vendors, suppliers and all national / local food brokers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training:  Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required.

Related Experience:  Minimum 7 years category management experience required, with some project management experience preferred, ideally this experience will derive from the food service or food manufacturing industries.

Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesMust 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 is required, working knowledge of Microsoft Access a plus.

This role will also receive annual incentive plan bonus.

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

$65,000 - $100,000

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

Locations

  • Clifton Park NY, United States of America

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangemedium confidence

94,500 - 132,000 USD / yearly

Source: AI Estimation

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Category Strategy Implementationadvanced
  • Product Assortment Managementadvanced
  • Market Data Analysisintermediate
  • Vendor Relationship Managementintermediate
  • Sales Training and Facilitationintermediate
  • SKU Optimization and Inventory Managementadvanced

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years in category management or merchandising in foodservice/distribution (experience)
  • Experience managing product assortments across multiple distribution centers (experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (degree)
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, market intelligence software) (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute implementation plans for category strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers, aligning with US Foods national goals
  • Review Area product assortment, identify slow/dead SKUs, growth opportunities, and ensure profitable sales growth within assigned categories
  • Gather local market data, trends, and competitor intelligence from sales staff, culinary team, and vendors to inform assortment decisions
  • Request exception SKUs, determine DWOs, create conversion plans, and reduce SKU duplication while meeting local customer needs
  • Facilitate product training, new product introductions, and ensure alignment of product/brand messaging with US Foods strategy
  • Support Area and DC sales staff with product updates, inquiries, and merchandising goals

Benefits

  • Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training and career development programs
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, holidays, and flexible scheduling

Target Your Resume for "Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate" , US Foods

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate. Takes only 15 seconds!

AI-powered keyword optimization
Skills matching & gap analysis
Experience alignment suggestions

Check Your ATS Score for "Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate" , US Foods

Find out how well your resume matches this job's requirements. Get comprehensive analysis including ATS compatibility, keyword matching, skill gaps, and personalized recommendations.

ATS compatibility check
Keyword optimization analysis
Skill matching & gap identification
Format & readability score

Tags & Categories

US_FoodsCategory ManagementSales SupportSupply Chain

Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate @ US Foods.

Quiz Challenge
10 Questions
~2 Minutes
Instant Score

Related Books and Jobs

No related jobs found at the moment.

US Foods logo

Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate

US Foods

Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate

full-timePosted: Jan 14, 2026

Job Description

Categories: Category Management, Sales Support, Supply Chain

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

Join Our Community of Food People!

This position is a fully onsite position.

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 and DC 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.

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. Request exception SKUs, as needed, to finalize Area assortment, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans. 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 are aligned with the national strategies.

Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple DCs in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners.  Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs.

Facilitate product training and new product introductions, with DSS, Specialists and sales staff. Ensure product/brand message is in alignment 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.

SUPERVISION

None

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:       Regional, Area and Distribution Center staff, up to and including members of the leadership team.

External:      Customers, vendors, suppliers and all national / local food brokers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training:  Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required.

Related Experience:  Minimum 7 years category management experience required, with some project management experience preferred, ideally this experience will derive from the food service or food manufacturing industries.

Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesMust 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 is required, working knowledge of Microsoft Access a plus.

This role will also receive annual incentive plan bonus.

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

$65,000 - $100,000

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

Locations

  • Clifton Park NY, United States of America

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangemedium confidence

94,500 - 132,000 USD / yearly

Source: AI Estimation

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Category Strategy Implementationadvanced
  • Product Assortment Managementadvanced
  • Market Data Analysisintermediate
  • Vendor Relationship Managementintermediate
  • Sales Training and Facilitationintermediate
  • SKU Optimization and Inventory Managementadvanced

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years in category management or merchandising in foodservice/distribution (experience)
  • Experience managing product assortments across multiple distribution centers (experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (degree)
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, market intelligence software) (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute implementation plans for category strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers, aligning with US Foods national goals
  • Review Area product assortment, identify slow/dead SKUs, growth opportunities, and ensure profitable sales growth within assigned categories
  • Gather local market data, trends, and competitor intelligence from sales staff, culinary team, and vendors to inform assortment decisions
  • Request exception SKUs, determine DWOs, create conversion plans, and reduce SKU duplication while meeting local customer needs
  • Facilitate product training, new product introductions, and ensure alignment of product/brand messaging with US Foods strategy
  • Support Area and DC sales staff with product updates, inquiries, and merchandising goals

Benefits

  • Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training and career development programs
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, holidays, and flexible scheduling

Target Your Resume for "Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate" , US Foods

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate. Takes only 15 seconds!

AI-powered keyword optimization
Skills matching & gap analysis
Experience alignment suggestions

Check Your ATS Score for "Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate" , US Foods

Find out how well your resume matches this job's requirements. Get comprehensive analysis including ATS compatibility, keyword matching, skill gaps, and personalized recommendations.

ATS compatibility check
Keyword optimization analysis
Skill matching & gap identification
Format & readability score

Tags & Categories

US_FoodsCategory ManagementSales SupportSupply Chain

Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Area Category Manager- Center of the Plate @ US Foods.

Quiz Challenge
10 Questions
~2 Minutes
Instant Score

Related Books and Jobs

No related jobs found at the moment.