Category Manager, Deli & Prepared Foods

Dierbergs Markets
life insurance, sick time, 401(k)
United States, Missouri, Chesterfield
#8 Four Seasons Shopping Center (Show on map)
Oct 17, 2025
Category Manager, Fresh & Prepared Foods (On-site in Chesterfield, MO) Dierbergs Markets is seeking a passionate and strategic Category Manager to lead innovation, product assortment, pricing, merchandising, and vendor partnerships in assigned categories with a focus on fresh and prepared foods innovation. This role drives a consumer-centric approach through trend-forward strategies, culinary insights, and collaborative cross-functional planning. By delivering exceptional product experiences and staying ahead of market trends, the Category Manager plays a key role in achieving financial goals and advancing our Grow Every Day purpose. How You'll Make an Impact Driving Sales Growth Responsible for producing a comprehensive and cohesive category strategy which successfully meets the needs of our customers and achieves financial goals Curate and manage a relevant, data-informed product assortment rooted in value, quality, and market gaps Leads innovation pipeline for fresh and prepared foods product offering, in partnership with prepared foods managers and CK team. Proactively explore opportunities and partnerships to drive category success Responsible for thought leadership and category expertise around trends and category innovation Drive the day-to-day activities of a selling organization culture with a consumer-centric focus through Assortment, Merchandising, Promotions and Pricing responsibilities Establish base and promotional pricing that meets the category financial goals Aggressively maximize opportunities and mitigate risks through promotions, pricing, product placement and effective storytelling Be a fierce student of the customer, the category and the competition Utilize data analytics to gain actionable insights, guide decision-making and inform category strategies Expand private label product assortment and development by utilizing data to identify gaps and new product trends to address market needs. Executing Operational Standards Build and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders including (but not limited to) store operations, vendors, core managers, peers, marketing and host Partner with internal and external teams to solve customer pain points, make products easy to find and purchase while providing excellent customer service at all times Work to ensure proper inventory levels are in line with production demands and plans Work directly with the Department Supervisor (Operations) to ensure operational standards are met; driving consistency and excellence in the execution of category strategies, displays and customer service Partner with the Promotions team to ensure maximum product awareness in store and online Foster a work environment that embodies the core values of Dierbergs, champion and develop a diverse and inclusive team environment Managing Cost & Financial Performance Lead vendor negotiations and develop strong, collaborative partnerships to optimize cost, quality, and service Identify and present opportunities for cost savings and tailor strategies to meet financial goals Conduct in-depth analysis of consumer data that includes pricing and promotion effectiveness, market trends, assortment evaluation and competitive analysis Continually evaluate retail pricing based using tools and analysis; make recommendations to achieve category goals Partner with vendors and brokers to plan and activate promotions across stores and digital channels, securing funding and investments (e.g. discounts, PIPs, media) to support long-term growth Negotiate compelling discounts, offers and savings Seek out and execute special buys and exclusive products that differentiate Dierbergs in the marketplace Create visibility into category opportunities, risks, inventory commitments, and supply constraints Partner closely with Finance team to ensure payments are received timely and accurately What You'll Need A true passion for food is essential! 5-8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles within Food, Grocery Retail, Food Service Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong attention to detail and accuracy Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects with consistent follow-through Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, assess market trends, and improve results Exceptional interpersonal skills; professional, approachable, and receptive to others' ideas and feedback Proven negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships Knowledge of merchandising and category management, retail operations, replenishment and item management systems preferred Able to adapt to change and manage competing priorities in a positive, solution-oriented manner Effectively collaborates with various functions in the business. Contributes to cross-functional projects Highly proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel BS or BA preferred Why Dierbergs is right for you Health and retirement benefitsincluding medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, FSA, and life insurance Weekly pay Paid time offprovided, including sick days Employee Assistance Programfor you and your family to assist in many of life's challenges, from short-term counseling, legal questions to financial guidance Associate-only savings, free products, bonus points, sweepstakesand more - being a part of our team has its perks with Dierbergs Rewards Wellness initiatives and volunteer opportunitiesto keep you healthy, engaged and involved Rewards, recognition and appreciationprograms and events to spotlight you AND your exceptional talents Opportunity to Grow Every Dayby building knowledge, supporting growth and creating connections - Let's GROW! Career advancementand growth opportunities throughGROWU, our Learning & Development program for current and future Leaders This job description is representative only and is not all inclusive of the responsibilities that the Associate may be required to perform.