Category Manager (Packaged) (Remote)

Category Manager (Packaged)About the CompanyYay is out to fundamentally change school food for the better. We are a school food marketplace, connecting schools to wonderful local foodmakers within their own communities to get fresher, healthier, more delicious and more diverse food to kids everyday.Since launching a pilot in Spring 2018, we have expanded and evolved, now serving multiple markets from Chicago to Connecticut. We have aggressive growth plans backed by experienced venture capital partners, and we are excited about bringing school lunch up to a modern standard.About the OpportunityThe Yay Company is seeking a motivated Category Manager to lead our Packaged CPG business within the K-12 Foodservice sector. This is an excellent growth opportunity for an Associate Buyer or early-career category professional ready to take the next step in their career. You'll be responsible for managing the complete assortment, pricing, and purchasing operations for all consumer packaged goods sold in our school retail locations and vending programs. The ideal candidate will bring solid CPG industry knowledge from grocery retail and be excited to make an impact in the K-12 foodservice space. The role is remote but must be in one of our current markets. The Category Manager will report into the Director of Food Strategy and will have a Procurement Lead as a Direct Report.About the PositionAssortment & Category ManagementManage end-to-end category strategy for all packaged CPG products across school retail and vending channelsDesign, implement, and maintain planograms that optimize product placement and drive sales performanceContinuously evaluate and optimize product line performance, making data-driven decisions on assortment additions and deletionsBalance category mix to meet nutritional guidelines while maximizing student appeal and profitabilityStrategic Sourcing & PurchasingLead all purchasing activities for packaged goods, including negotiations, order management, and inventory planningDevelop and execute pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin objectivesManage vendor relationships and purchase order processes to ensure seamless supply chain operationsMonitor inventory levels and coordinate with operations to maintain optimal stock positionsBrand Development & PartnershipsIdentify, evaluate, and introduce innovative new brands that resonate with school communitiesBuild and nurture strategic partnerships with leading and emerging CPG brandsStay current on food and beverage trends, particularly those relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumersCollaborate with brand partners on promotional programs, launches, and customized offerings for the K-12 environmentAnalysis & Performance ManagementTrack and analyze category performance metrics including sales, margins, turns, and student preferencesConduct regular line reviews to assess product performance and identify opportunitiesProvide insights and recommendations to leadership on category trends and strategic directionDevelop and maintain category scorecards and reporting dashboardsRequired QualificationsExperience2 years of progressive experience as an Associate Buyer, Buyer, or Category professionalBackground must include work with a Grocery Retailer or WholesalerDemonstrated success in managing CPG products with tangible resultsReady to step into an expanded role with full category ownershipIndustry KnowledgeStrong understanding of the food CPG landscape, including major brands and emerging playersSolid familiarity with brand positioning, competitive dynamics, and category trendsKnowledge of retail operations, merchandising principles, and supply chain fundamentalsEagerness to learn about K-12 foodservice and school nutrition requirementsSkills & CompetenciesExcellent analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable strategiesStrong negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationshipsProficiency in planogram development and space managementStrategic thinking combined with strong attention to operational detailEffective communication skills across all organizational levelsSelf-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience with planogram software and space management toolsBackground in natural, organic, or better-for-you product categoriesFamiliarity with category management analytics platformsExisting relationships with CPG brands and distributorsExperience in foodservice or vending operations (a plus, but not required)Interest in school nutrition and youth wellness initiativesWhy This Role is Perfect for Your Next StepGrowth Opportunity: If you've been excelling as an Associate Buyer or junior category professional in grocery retail, this is your chance to step into a full Category Manager role with complete ownership of a business segment.Transferable Skills: Your grocery retail experience translates directly - you already understand CPG dynamics, vendor negotiations, and merchandising strategies. We'll teach you the unique aspects of K-12 foodservice.Meaningful Impact: Beyond driving sales and margins, you'll be introducing quality products that fuel students' learning and well-being. Your work directly impacts school communities.Manageable Scope: Starting with packaged goods gives you a defined category to master while building expertise in the K-12 space, setting you up for future advancement.We're excited about you because you: Are an expert negotiator and understand that pennies countAre passionate about the food industryAre excited to come build a brand and a growing companyHave experience exceeding goalsHave strong organizational skills and are a self-starterHave strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on timely analysisApproach challenges from the fundamentalsExpress creative sales tactics to engage with prospectsHave experience using a CRM (Hubspot) and Google AppsWe pride ourselves on being a good employer, and to that end we provide:$65,000 annual salaryHealth Insurance - medical, vision, dental and life insuranceVoluntary life and short-term disability Insurance, and flexible spending account (FSA)401(k) retirement, up to 3.5% employer matchFlexible paid time off (unlimited time off program)Data stipendRemote, flexible environmentSignificant support structures, on-the-ground training, & coaching from central team member

Salary : $65,000