Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

Position Summary We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Grocery Merchandising to lead a $400M grocery business across 650+ retail locations in 42 states . This leadership role is responsible for driving category strategy, sales growth, profitability, supplier partnerships, and operational excellence across multiple grocery and non-food product categories. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in category management, merchandising, supplier negotiations, inventory planning, and P&L management , with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering measurable business results in a large-scale retail environment.
### Key Responsibilities
Lead the strategic direction, financial performance, and operational success of a $400M grocery business. Manage multiple product categories, including snacks, candy, frozen foods, shelf-stable products, health & beauty, and non-food merchandise. Own category P&L performance, including budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, sales growth, and profitability. Develop and execute annual and long-term merchandising strategies, assortment plans, pricing initiatives, and promotional programs. Partner with 110+ suppliers and distribution partners to negotiate contracts, drive category growth, optimize space allocation, and improve business performance. Build and maintain strong relationships with key CPG manufacturers and industry partners. Lead, coach, and develop merchandising professionals through performance management, succession planning, and talent development initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, and Loyalty teams to execute enterprise-wide objectives. Analyze market trends, customer insights, and business performance data to identify growth opportunities and improve category results. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while effectively managing promotional funding, supplier agreements, and merchandising initiatives. Resolve complex business and operational challenges while driving continuous improvement across the organization.
### Required Qualifications
Extensive experience in Category Management, Merchandising, or Retail Buying Leadership . Proven success managing large-scale retail business units with full P&L responsibility. Strong experience in: Category Management Strategic Sourcing Supplier Relationship Management Contract Negotiation Inventory Planning & Forecasting Data-Driven Decision Making Merchandising Strategy Retail Operations Budget Management Market Analysis Demonstrated ability to influence Senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives. Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
### Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field. Experience working with large national retail chains, grocery retailers, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) organizations. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate business insights into strategic action.
### What You'll Bring
Executive-level business acumen and merchandising expertise. A strategic mindset with a focus on growth, profitability, and customer engagement. Strong leadership capabilities with a passion for developing people and building successful partnerships. The ability to balance long-term vision with flawless execution in a fast-paced retail environment. Experience Level: Senior / Executive Leadership (10+ years preferred)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $175000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.