Department Manager (Onsite)

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $85,000-$90,000 annually
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, cell phone, and much more!

About Us:
At Nelson-Jameson, we’ve been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we’d love to have you join us!

Job Summary:

Nelson-Jameson is seeking a strategic, people-oriented Department Manager to lead our Packaging, Ingredients & Chemicals (PIC) Department. This area includes product categories such as food ingredients, cleaning chemicals, and a wide range of packaging solutions from cheese ingredients, peppers, and spices to sanitation products, food-grade materials, and bulk and industrial packaging like stretch film, tape, and corrugated products. This role provides both strategic and operational leadership for an onsite team that includes Category Managers and additional department staff.

While experience with packaging, ingredients, chemicals, or related products and category management is helpful, we’re ultimately seeking a business-minded leader with strong people management skills. The Department Manager is responsible for developing and executing business plans that drive category growth, improve product performance, and align with broader company objectives. In collaboration with leadership, this position helps prioritize initiatives, supports cross-functional execution, and uses data-driven tools to inform decisions. Success in this role requires strong business acumen, effective communication, and the ability to coach and develop a high-performing team while fostering alignment across Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Customer Service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Leadership to define departmental goals, create business plans, and track execution through CRM and EDA dashboards.
• Lead and develop departmental team and support staff through performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Analyze sales and purchasing data to guide resource allocation, identify trends, and inform pricing, product, and supplier strategies.
• Oversee supplier relationships, including joint business planning, performance management, and support for team-led negotiations.
• Guide category strategy, including product selection, supplier transitions, new product launches, and long-term growth initiatives.
• Ensure pricing strategies are data-driven, margin-aligned, and accurately reflected in internal systems for quoting and customer service.
• Provide oversight on inventory and purchasing strategies to support service levels, inventory health, and operational efficiency.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to align departmental efforts.
• Represent the department at customer visits, supplier meetings, and industry events, with up to 25% travel within the continental U.S.

Why Nelson-Jameson?
At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, you’ll receive:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: $85,000-$90,000 annually
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Company provided cell phone and credit card
• And much more!

Qualifications & Skills:

• Required:
  
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
  • Experience: 3–5 years of experience in people management, with a proven ability to lead teams and drive results through cross-functional collaboration.
  • Strong business and financial acumen; ability to think strategically and act decisively.
  • Tech-savvy mindset with experience using CRM, ERP, or business analytics tools.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with high emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time for customer visits, supplier meetings, internal team collaboration, and industry events—including locations across the continental United States. Must possess valid Drivers License, along with required acceptable documentation for air travel.
• Preferred:
  
  • Experience in category management, product management, sourcing, or B2B sales—especially in a manufacturing or distribution setting.
  • Familiarity with product categories such as QA or QC lab supplies or other food safety-related product categories.
  • Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), leadership (e.g., SHRM-CP), or technical/industry-specific areas.

How to Apply:
If you're a strategic, people-focused leader ready to drive category growth and make a lasting impact, apply now on our career site!

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

Salary : $85,000 - $90,000