Category Manager

Salary $70,000 - $100,000+

Job Description

Category Managers have complete ownership of their product segment. You will strategically source existing products, onboard new products and brands, control pricing, and creatively initiate and execute marketing strategies. As the “business owner” for your category, you must have an entrepreneurial mind, a keen understanding of industry trends, and ability to coordinate projects across multiple departments. This position is full-time and located in Lancaster, PA, but is remote-friendly/hybrid-friendly for those within a 2-hour driving radius.

Category Managers are leaders within Clark’s procurement division, which buys products for our various distribution channels (industry leading Ecommerce platform WebstaurantStore.com, The Restaurant Stores, Clark National Accounts, Clark Food Service Equipment, and 11400, Inc.). In 2022, we reached $3.2B in sales from a catalog of 400K+ SKUs.

Job responsibilities

• Research and launch new items
• Strategically define and execute projects to drive revenue and gross profit
• Interpret data, reports, and industry news to anticipate category trends
• Generate creative and effective ideas for marketing, including product packaging, content for our digital/Ecommerce platform, sales campaigns, and more
• Collaborate across multiple departments (sales, finance, supply chain, etc.) to communicate details of new products
• Understand the customers of our various distribution channels and determine the best selling strategy and logistical structure for each

Skills & Requirements

• Ability to operate decisively in an ambiguous and highly volatile environment
• Stay organized while prioritizing multiple simultaneous projects
• Exhibit entrepreneurial spirit as the “business owner” of your category
• Strong communicator, able to lead and coordinate projects across multiple departments
• Formulate and execute category strategies through research and analysis
• Time management skills in an ever-changing and exciting work environment
• Strong computer skills; emphasis in Excel
• Creative and innovative thinker
• We consider applicants with diverse majors and work history; however, applicants frequently have education in Business Management, Supply Chain, Business Logistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Marketing, or a related field. Relevant positions include Buyer, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, Brand Manager, and Marketing Manager.

Ideal Applicants for this position:

• Commute from within a 2-hour driving radius of our headquarters in Lancaster, PA
• Accepting W-2 candidates only. H-1B sponsorship not available.

Who We Are

Clark Associates is the largest food service equipment and supplies dealer in the country and has been recognized as one of Central Pennsylvania’s fastest growing companies! We credit our success to hiring only the very best talent and keeping a strong focus on company culture, and employee engagement and development. People are at the core of everything we do. If you’re looking for a career, and not just a job, Clark Associates is the right fit for you. Click here to learn more.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive compensation package and yearly performance bonus
• Great benefits package including health, dental & vision insurance, 401k with company match, generous PTO, paid maternity and parental leave and more
• Support for career growth and advancement including professional development and leadership courses, ongoing education and trainings, mentorships, company library and more
• Flexible hours and hybrid-friendly for those within a 2-hour driving radius
• Work-life balance and wellness focused employer with on-site fitness Center and local gym discounts, free strength and yoga classes, standing desks, yearly BMI bonus and more
• Thoughtful community support through the Clark Associates Charitable Foundation that donates over $3M to the local community annually, time off for monthly volunteer opportunities, charitable gifts to organizations you care about
• Dog-friendly Office

Hiring Process

• Please submit your resume and a cover letter
• If your application matches the qualities we’re looking for in an employee, you will receive a request for an interview