What are the responsibilities and job description for the Category Manager position at Pet Food Experts?
Join the Pack at Pet Food Experts!
With a rich history spanning over 80 years, Pet Food Experts has evolved from a small family-run business into the nation's leading pet specialty distributor, proudly serving over 10,000 pet retail locations nationwide.
At Pet Food Experts (PFX), we do more than distribute the best pet products—we fuel independent pet retailers with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community. And now, with unprecedented growth and an expanded national footprint, we’re stronger than ever, ready to serve more retailers, support more brands, and make an even bigger impact in the pet industry. If you're an animal lover with a heart for independent businesses and a drive for excellence, we want you on our team!
The Category Manager is the communication liaison between assigned categories/brands and vendors and the Director of Category Management, and cross-departmental teams (“X-D” teams) ensuring alignment between the vendor and Pet Food Experts and serves as the vendor expert on all assigned categories/brands and vendors.
What You’ll Do
- Serve as a primary relationship contact for assigned brands and vendors, and facilitate communication between vendors, Dir of Category Mgt, and X-D team members who share some of the same brand portfolio.
- Act as the vendor’s advocate and liaison, in collaboration with Dir of Category Mgt, to the PFX sales and Cx Teams, and as such be responsible for promotions, provide product information, superior customer service in resolution of vendor issues/problems/questions, request samples of new products, maintain vendor contact files, execute vendor sponsored sales incentives and communicate opportunities.
- Work with vendors to establish promotional calendar and participation in monthly flyer.
- Manage and execute all trade show deals in a timely manner, as well as forecast lifts for trade shows.
- Represent Pet Food Experts at national trade shows: make appointments with vendors, gather information and present to the team upon return.
- With direction from Dir of Category Mgt, collaborate with vendors to develop a strategic plan to include matrix pricing and promotional contributions and establish sales goals, go-to-market strategies and promotional budgets.
- Collaborate with Dir of Category Mgt to develop a category strategy to include developmental goals, POGs, promotional activities for sales teams.
- In coordination with Dir of Category Mgt, schedule, coordinate and execute a minimum of one formal vendor meeting per quarter with each vendor and attend brand presentations at Quarterly Sales Meeting.
- Accountable to the sales goals of the assigned vendor and direct communication and coordination with the Dir of Category Mgt to the sales team.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 3 years purchasing and/or sales experience
- Minimum 2 years brand or vendor management experience
- Consumer Goods Products/Pet Industry experience, preferred
- Budget, planning and management experience, preferred
- Excellent verbal and written communication/presentation skills
- Ability to work effectively with multiple levels of management and work both independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to achieve responsibilities and deadlines
- Strong business acumen including demonstrating sound judgment
- Proficient computer skills, Google Suite preferred
Benefits and Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack!
- Competitive Pay – Because your hard work should be rewarded!
- Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision to keep you feeling your best.
- Retirement Savings with Employer Match – Helping you invest in your future.
- Flexible Time Off – Unlimited days to recharge, adventure, or just enjoy some quality time with your pet!
- Paid Parental Leave – Support for growing families.
- Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance – We’ve got your back, no matter what.
- Health & Dependent Care FSAs – Because budgeting for wellness should be easy.
- Pet Perks & Discounts – Exclusive savings on the best pet products!
- Extra Voluntary Benefits – Convenient options for additional coverage, deducted straight from payroll.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Mental health, financial wellness, and more—because life happens.
Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer. Pet Food Experts does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.
All offers of employment are contingent upon passing a required criminal background check.
