National Category Manager (Beverages & Healthcare)

Job summary

The National Category Manager owns the strategic growth strategy for beverages and healthcare categories, overseeing vendor selection and negotiation to drive financial results. They are responsible for product assortment, brand strategy, and mentoring Regional Category Managers to ensure execution in the field.

Job details

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service. Compensation $63,900.00-119,700.00 CAD Annual Purpose The National Category Manager is the owner of the strategic growth strategy for their category for Sysco Canada. They oversee the selection, negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of national vendors and categories to drive financial results across Sysco Canada. Key activities include vendor selection, negotiation of vendor earned income programs, supplier performance management, product and brand strategy, and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives. The National Category Manager also serves as a mentor and advisor to Regional Category Managers who execute category growth initiatives in the field. Responsibilities Lead full category direction and execution of Sysco's Category Management process, including: Market Insights Category Strategy Optimal Assortment/Lotting Negotiation/Recommendation Implementation Tailored Selling Facilitate procurement strategy across Sysco and negotiate contractual arrangements. Ensure stakeholder communication, implementation, compliance, and achievement of performance metrics. Develop Sysco Brand product and brand strategies, including: QA compliance Innovation Growth initiatives Gap identification at Region/Site level Collaboration with Regions/Sites to address Sysco Brand listings Partner with Regional Category Managers to develop a market-relevant optimal assortment. Lead monthly fill rate target discussions and action plans with key national vendors, focusing on achieving 99.5% fill rate targets. Monitor regional activities to ensure vendor and event compliance, communicate market developments that may impact Regions/Sites and customers, and escalate performance issues to senior leadership when necessary. Serve as a consultant to National CMU and Healthcare sales teams regarding national sales opportunities. Partner with Pricing Intelligence to maintain market-relevant costs. Comply with Sysco's Food Safety Policy and procedures to ensure food safety, quality, and legal requirements are met. Work safely with minimal environmental impact and promptly report hazards, incidents, and environmental spills to management. Support a culture of safety by identifying and speaking up about workplace hazards. Perform other duties as assigned. Skills Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, including: Excel Word PowerPoint Outlook Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal partners, including Regions/Sites, Supply Chain, and Sourcing teams. Strong negotiation, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills. High degree of integrity and accountability with the ability to handle confidential and proprietary information. Ability to lead indirectly, drive innovation, identify opportunities, and solve complex business challenges. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction while collaborating effectively in a team environment. Strong communication skills with the ability to present detailed and complex information clearly and concisely to stakeholders at all levels. Certifications Valid driver's license with access to a vehicle may be required. Ability to travel on an ad hoc basis. Education College diploma or degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field required. Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field preferred. Experience Minimum 5 years of Merchandising or Category Management experience within retail or foodservice. Previous sales experience considered an asset. Beverage category knowledge and industry experience considered an asset.

What you’ll do

The National Category Manager owns the strategic growth strategy for beverages and healthcare categories, overseeing vendor selection and negotiation to drive financial results. They are responsible for product assortment, brand strategy, and mentoring Regional Category Managers to ensure execution in the field.

Requirements

Requires a minimum of 5 years of merchandising or category management experience in retail or foodservice, with a college diploma or degree in Business or Marketing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong negotiation skills are essential.

Listed skills

• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Decision Making · Preferred
• Brand Strategy · Preferred
• Microsoft Word · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred
• Microsoft Outlook · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Category Management
• Vendor Negotiation
• Strategic Sourcing
• Market Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• Supplier Performance Management
• Product Strategy
• Brand Strategy
• Stakeholder Management
• Decision Making
• Presentation Skills
• Communication Skills
• Relationship Building

Job areas

• Logistics
• Management & Leadership
• Food & Beverage
• Retail