Associate Category Manager - Deli

The Associate Category Manager – Deli is responsible for the development and execution of customer-focused category strategies for assigned Deli categories. This position owns all aspects of category performance including assortment planning, product innovation, merchandising, pricing, promotions, sourcing, and supplier management while partnering with the Deli Director on broader department initiatives. 
 
The Associate Category Manager is accountable for delivering sales, margin, and inventory goals through daily business management and execution of both short and long-term category plans. This role requires a strong customer mindset, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify trends and opportunities that drive profitable growth. 

Based in Phoenix – hybrid schedule in office Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 

Own Category Performance 

• Develop and execute annual and seasonal category plans aligned with department and company objectives 
• Own sales, margin, shrink, and inventory turn performance for assigned categories 
• Monitor business performance and proactively identify opportunities and risks 
• Utilize data, reporting, and customer insights to drive category decisions 
• Develop and implement action plans to achieve financial objectives 

Lead Category Strategy & Execution 

• Own assortment planning, pricing, promotion, merchandising, and product lifecycle management for assigned categories 
• Manage item introductions, product transitions, category reviews, and resets 
• Evaluate product performance and make assortment recommendations that improve customer experience and financial performance 
• Partner with operations teams to ensure effective execution in stores 
• Support new store openings and category expansion initiatives 

Drive Innovation & Customer Foucs 

• Identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities 
• Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to develop new products and programs 
• Lead product evaluations, testing, and launch activities 
• Continuously improve assortment productivity and differentiation 

Manage Supplier Partnerships 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with supplier partners 
• Support negotiations, business reviews, cost management initiatives, and promotional planning 
• Work closely with suppliers to improve product quality, packaging, service levels, and innovation 
• Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure consistent product availability.

Cross Functional Leadership 

• Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams 
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, Food Safety, and Procurement teams to execute category strategies 
• Provide stores with information, tools, and guidance that support successful category execution 
• Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and supplier presentations to support business objectives 

Adapt & Deliver Results 

• Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams 
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, Food Safety, and Procurement teams to execute category strategies 
• Provide stores with information, tools, and guidance that support successful category execution 
• Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and supplier presentations to support business objectives 

#LI-CS1

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of merchandising, category management, buying, or business planning experience 
• Previous buying, sourcing, or vendor management experience preferred 
• Requires long-term strategic and financial planning skills and a customer-focused mindset 
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and reporting tools 
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization 
• Complete understanding of P&L statements, margins, and inventory management 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Some travel required 

In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:

• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays

Get Paid Every Day!

Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free.  We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday.

 You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/.

Grow with us!

If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting.  Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.