Category Manager at Certco Inc – Madison, Wisconsin

Category Manager – Rare Opportunity at Certco, Inc.
Location: Madison, WI (Verona Road Location)

An opportunity like this does not come around often at Certco.

We are excited to open recruitment for a Category Manager position—an impactful role that plays a key part in shaping product strategy, driving sales performance, and supporting the independent grocers we serve across the Midwest.

At Certco, we are more than a wholesale distributor—we are a trusted partner to independent grocery retailers and the communities they serve. This role offers the chance to make meaningful business decisions, build strong vendor partnerships, and directly influence category growth and profitability.

If you are analytical, strategic, and passionate about driving results, this is a rare opportunity to step into a role where your work truly makes an impact.

Why This Role is Special

• Rare opening—these opportunities do not come available often
• Strategic role with direct influence on category performance
• Opportunity to build strong vendor relationships and drive business results
• Work with a collaborative team across Procurement, Marketing, and Merchandising
• Be part of a company that supports independent grocers and local communities

What You'll Do

As a Category Manager, you will develop strategies that drive category growth and profitability. Your work will involve analyzing consumer trends, optimizing product assortments, and collaborating across teams to execute successful merchandising and promotional programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop category strategies to drive sales growth and meet financial goals
• Analyze consumer and market data to identify trends and opportunities
• Manage SKU performance and optimize product assortments
• Partner with vendors to improve pricing, funding, and service quality
• Lead category optimization projects and merchandising initiatives
• Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to expand product offerings
• Launch new products and ensure successful execution
• Develop seasonal and promotional programs to drive incremental sales
• Visit stores to gain insights and improve category performance
• Build strong relationships across departments and vendor partners

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a strategic thinker who thrives on data-driven decision-making and relationship building.

Qualifications include:

• 3–5 years of experience in category management, procurement, negotiation, or a related field
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or a related field preferred
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Why Join Certco?

At Certco, we take pride in building strong relationships—with our employees, our retailers, and our communities. Our team members play an essential role in helping independent grocers succeed and keeping communities stocked with the products they rely on every day.

This is an opportunity to join a stable, growing organization where your contributions are valued and your work makes a meaningful difference.

Ready to take the next step in your career?
Apply today and be part of a team that drives results, supports communities, and builds lasting partnerships.

Job Summary:

Develop the overall strategy and promotional plan for a product category to drive sales and achieve organizational objectives. Provide category insights and proposals by analyzing marketing and consumer data, while monitoring market conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage SKU performance to drive topline sales, revenue and meet financial budgets.
• Analyze data and insights to determine industry and consumer trends regarding the product and category
• Develop strategic data modeling tools and database, develop, and recommend product, assortments, placements, layouts, pricing, and promotional profitability
• Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability
• Build and drive relationships with key vendors to improve pricing and quality of service
• Lead category management projects to optimize assortments and related merchandising
• Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to expand product categories
• Ensure new items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate execution
• Educate customers and sales team on consumer, business insights and merchandising techniques
• Adjust sales plan based on shopper and customer trends
• Create seasonal programs to capitalize on incremental sales and lime time availability
• Develop strong working relationships with Purchasing, Marketing and Merchandising items
• Visit stores to gain further insight on the performance of sales programs
• Demonstrates consistent punctuality and adheres to all requirements of the company’s Attendance Policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
• An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
• Knowledge of category management, and sales principles
• Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods
• Strong people management and persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
• An analytical mind with strategic ability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Consumer focused by placing the consumer at the center of the business development decision
• Take ownership and holds themselves accountable for decisions results and overall performance of their category
• Proficiency in MS Excel and forecasting/planning systems
• Must have superior analytical skills, be detail oriented and have the ability to navigate in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years of industry experience in category management, procurement, negotiation and/or related experience in a field with similar essential job duties.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an applicant or employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Frequency Definitions

The percentages listed below represent the estimated amount of time the employee is expected to perform each physical requirement during a typical work shift.

0–24% — Occasional (up to 2 hours per shift)

25–49% — Frequent (approximately 2–4 hours per shift)

50–74% — Regular (approximately 4–6 hours per shift)

75–100% — Constant (Up to 8 hours or greater per shift)

• Seeing: Must be able to read reports and use computers. (75–100%)
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers and customers. (75–100%)
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via virtual platforms. (75–100%)
• Reading/Data Analysis: Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen and in printed materials. (75–100%)
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand and walk/maneuver around safely. (0–24%)
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: (0–24%)
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: (0-24%)
• Travel: Ability to travel between locations as required. (0–24%)
• Work Environment: Ability to work in an operational environment, including exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and equipment movement when applicable. (0–24%)
• Safety Requirements: Must comply with all safety requirements, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in operational areas. (0–24%)

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.