Protein Category Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As a Protein Category Manager, you'll play a vital role in developing and executing category strategies tailored for various Distribution Centers. Your objective will be to align with the overarching US Foods category strategy while catering to specific area needs. Key responsibilities include: Driving KPIs across product categories, focusing on sales growth, category penetration, EB penetration, and feedback from team members. Reviewing product assortments to identify opportunities for growth while eliminating underperforming or redundant SKUs. Gathering and analyzing local market data to spot trends and new product opportunities, engaging with culinary teams, sales staff, and vendors for insights. Facilitating product training and new product rollouts to sales teams, ensuring alignment with US Foods messaging. Supporting major account bids through comprehensive analysis and coordination to onboard new customers effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that local customer needs align with national strategies and that our offerings remain competitive. SUPERVISION: None RELATIONSHIPS: Internal: Collaborate directly with local sales, support, and merchandising teams. Work closely with the commodity procurement manager and field category manager to develop and execute strategies. External: Manage relationships with approved corporate and local beef vendors. Build and maintain strong customer relationships with top-tier clients and prospects. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position is based in a US Foods office environment. QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of 7 years of category management experience, preferably within the food service or food manufacturing sectors. Proven ability to navigate complexities within a matrix organization and collaborate effectively across multiple teams. Strong business acumen, interpersonal skills, and the capability to provide fact-based recommendations across various management levels. Self-motivated and results-oriented, with excellent presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required; familiarity with PowerPoint is a plus. EDUCATION: A four-year college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent experience is required. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in project management. PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS: This role may require standard office-related physical activities: Occasionally standing, walking, and lifting items up to 20 lbs. Frequent sitting and manipulating objects, with the need for manual dexterity for typing and the use of office equipment. Annual incentive plan bonuses and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and life insurance are provided.

Created: 2026-03-10