Category Manager - Deli & Bakery

Description

Category Manager – Bakery & Deli
Location: Madison, WI (Verona Road)

A rare opportunity to shape high-impact categories at Certco, Inc.

We are excited to open recruitment for a Category Manager – Bakery & Deli, a key role responsible for driving strategy, growth, and profitability within two of our most dynamic product categories.

Opportunities like this do not come around often at Certco. This role offers the chance to directly influence category performance, build strong vendor partnerships, and support independent grocers across the Midwest.

If you are analytical, strategic, and passionate about food categories that drive customer engagement and margin, this is an 

opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Why This Role is Unique

• Rare opening within a high-impact category
• Ownership of Bakery & Deli, two of the most important in-store departments
• Opportunity to influence product mix, pricing, and promotions
• Direct collaboration with vendors and cross-functional teams
• Be part of a company that supports independent grocers and local communities

What You’ll Do

As a Category Manager, you will develop and execute strategies to grow Bakery & Deli categories and maximize performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop category strategies to drive sales, margin, and overall performance
• Analyze consumer trends, market data, and product performance
• Manage SKU assortment, pricing, and promotional planning
• Partner with vendors to improve cost, quality, and service levels
• Lead category optimization and merchandising initiatives
• Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to support retail growth
• Launch new products and ensure strong execution
• Develop seasonal and promotional programs aligned with consumer demand
• Visit stores to gain insights and improve category performance
• Build strong relationships across internal teams and vendor partners

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a strategic thinker with a strong analytical mindset and a passion for food categories.

Qualifications include:

• 3–5 years of experience in category management, procurement, or a related field
• Experience working with food categories, preferably Bakery, Deli, or perishable products
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis
• Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field preferred

Why Join Certco?

At Certco, we are proud to support independent grocery retailers and the communities they serve. Our team plays a vital role in ensuring stores have the right products at the right time to meet customer needs.

This is an opportunity to join a stable, growing organization where your work directly impacts business success and customer experience.

Ready to take the next step in your career?
Apply today and be part of a team that drives results, supports communities, and builds lasting partnerships.

Requirements

Job Summary

Develop the overall strategy and promotional plan for a product category to drive sales and achieve organizational objectives. Provide category insights and proposals by analyzing marketing and consumer data, while monitoring market conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage SKU performance to drive topline sales, revenue and meet financial budgets. 
• Analyze data and insights to determine industry and consumer trends regarding the product and category
• Develop strategic data modeling tools and database, develop, and recommend product, assortments, placements, layouts, pricing, and promotional profitability
• Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability
• Build and drive relationships with key vendors to improve pricing and quality of service
• Lead category management projects to optimize assortments and related merchandising
• Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to expand product categories
• Ensure new items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate execution
• Educate customers and sales team on consumer, business insights and merchandising techniques
• Adjust sales plan based on shopper and customer trends
• Create seasonal programs to capitalize on incremental sales and lime time availability
• Develop strong working relationships with Purchasing, Marketing and Merchandising items
• Visit stores to gain further insight on the performance of sales programs
• Demonstrates consistent punctuality and adheres to all requirements of the company’s Attendance Policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
• An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
• Knowledge of category management, and sales principles
• Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods
• Strong people management and persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
• An analytical mind with strategic ability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Consumer focused by placing the consumer at the center of the business development decision
• Take ownership and holds themselves accountable for decisions results and overall performance of their category 
• Proficiency in MS Excel and forecasting/planning systems
• Must have superior analytical skills, be detail oriented and have the ability to navigate in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Education and Experience

• 3-5 years of industry experience in category management, procurement, negotiation and/or related experience in a field with similar essential job duties.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an applicant or employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Frequency Definitions 

The percentages listed below represent the estimated amount of time the employee is expected to perform each physical requirement during a typical work shift.

0–24% — Occasional (up to 2 hours per shift) 

25–49% — Frequent (approximately 2–4 hours per shift)

50–74% — Regular (approximately 4–6 hours per shift) 

75–100% — Constant (Up to 8 hours or greater per shift) 

• Seeing: Must be able to read reports and use computers. (75–100%) 
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers and customers. (75–100%) 
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via virtual platforms. (75–100%) 
• Reading/Data Analysis: Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen and in printed materials. (75–100%) 
• Standing/Walking/Mobility:  Must be able to stand and walk/maneuver around safely. (0–24%) 
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: (0–24%) 
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing:  (0-24%) 
• Travel: Ability to travel between locations as required. (0–24%) 
• Work Environment: Ability to work in an operational environment, including exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and equipment movement when applicable. (0–24%) 
• Safety Requirements: Must comply with all safety requirements, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in operational areas. (0–24%) 

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.