Associate Category Manager (Packaging-Consumables)

Topco Associates is seeking an Associate Category Manager to join our Indirect Spend team in Quincy, MA. This hybrid position is based in our Quincy office three days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week.

In this role, you will support members' store supply and packaging needs within Third Party Supply Distribution. The Associate Category Manager plays an important role in managing a complex high-value category while developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and delivering value-driven solutions that help our member-owners remain competitive in their markets. Working closely with suppliers, members, and internal cross-functional teams, you'll help identify opportunities to improve cost, strengthen programs, and support long-term category growth.

This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and is ideal for someone who enjoys analyzing data, negotiating with suppliers, building relationships, and taking the time to understand customer needs to develop tailored solutions that drive meaningful business outcomes, improve operational efficiency and enhance financial performance.

About Topco

Topco's mission is to deliver sourcing, procurement, and business solutions that help our member-owners achieve a competitive advantage. We partner with regional retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice organizations across the country to provide programs and services that create long-term value.

We believe diverse perspectives drive stronger ideas, better decisions, and greater innovation. We're committed to building collaborative teams that reflect the communities our members serve while fostering an environment where employees can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Category Strategy & Business Management

• Manage assigned indirect spend categories, including Third Party Supply Distribution, to support sales growth, member participation, profitability, and supplier performance.
• Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans that align with member needs and business priorities.
• Lead competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and incumbent business reviews.
• Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing or procurement strategies that maximize value for members.
• Lead supplier selection, award recommendations, and implementation activities.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation initiatives, and value-added services.
• Evaluate category performance and identify opportunities to improve programs, introduce new products or services, and enhance member value.
• Monitor industry, competitive, and consumer trends to support informed category decisions and long-term planning.

Supplier & Strategic Sourcing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, volume incentives, and contract terms that support member savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities to strengthen supplier partnerships and implement corrective actions.  
• Explore alternative sourcing and distribution strategies to improve cost efficiencies and supply reliability.
• Ensure execution of program requirements, reporting obligations, pricing structures, and contractual commitments.

Member Engagement

• Serve as a trusted business partner to member-owners by understanding their needs and recommending category solutions that support their business goals.
• Communicate market insights, pricing trends and data-driven insights to drive informed decisions.
• Present category strategies, business updates, and market analyses to member groups and internal stakeholders.
• Build credibility through responsive communication and a customer-focused approach that encourages participation in Topco programs.

Analytics & Business Insights

• Analyze sales performance, purchasing trends, supplier data, and market intelligence to support business decisions.
• Develop cost analyses, business cases, and recommendations that help members optimize purchasing decisions.
• Measure category performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and member engagement.
• Support reporting and presentations with clear, data-driven insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partners with internal teams including Operations, Member Services, Finance, and other functional areas to execute category initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that improve programs, processes, and the overall member experience.
• Travel to member locations, supplier facilities, and industry events as business needs require.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related business function.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful business recommendations.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing business relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting indirect spend or procurement categories.
• Experience within grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), foodservice, wholesale, or distribution industries.
• Experience using Salesforce, Tableau, Fastmarkets, or similar business intelligence and market reporting platforms.
• Experience presenting business recommendations to customers, leadership teams, or executive stakeholders.

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the interview process.