Category Manager, Own Brands Business

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

The Business Product Category Manager, Own Brands, drives the execution and growth of Wakefern’s Own Brands portfolio by managing day‑to‑day business performance, SKU‑level analytics, and cross‑functional coordination. This role is accountable for increasing product sales and distribution through strong partnerships with product divisions, wholesale partners, subsidiaries, and vendors, translating performance data into actionable insights that support portfolio optimization and sustained growth.

Core Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Analyze SKU level performance, including sales, velocity and distribution trends to identify opportunities for growth
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal product divisions and vendor partners on all Own Brands matters
• Champion the Own Brands portfolio ensuring it is a priority for product division Category Managers and that they are integrating Own Brands into their broader category strategies
• Lead regular meetings with vendors and internal teams to review new items, discuss performance and secure support for upcoming promotional plans
• Develop data‑driven recommendations to support portfolio optimization, including SKU rationalization and product distribution expansion
• Prepare and present performance summaries, business reviews and analytical materials for leadership and cross‑functional partners
• Support new item launches and promotional planning by tracking performance and identifying risks and opportunities
• Collaborate with Supply Chain team to help ensure inventory levels align with sales forecasts and promotional plans
• Support vendor performance reviews and issue resolution in partnership with the Manager, Own Brands Business
• Share direct feedback from the divisions with the Own Brands Innovation, Design, and Sourcing teams to ensure the product pipeline and brand strategy are aligned with market needs and opportunities
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies, leveraging technology and AI‑enabled insights, and adapting to evolving market trends

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field required
• 3–5 years of experience in brand management, category management, analytics, or a related business role
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into recommendations
• Experience working cross‑functionally with sales, supply chain, sourcing, or operations teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing presentations and summaries
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with NIQ, SAP, RAPID, MicroStrategy, or similar systems preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for long periods of time
• Ability to work in varied temperatures
• Ability to adhere to the company’s four day a week in office work requirement
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$120,000 annually. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

About The Work

This job description is intended to set forth the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of the work performed by associates for this position.It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates to do this job. Associates may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require associates to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or the work environment changes.This document describes the position currently available and is not an employment contract.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position covered by this Job Description is expressly declared to be “at will,” meaning Wakefern has the right to terminate the incumbent’s employment at any time, with or without cause. Any written or oral promises or representations to the contrary are expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any associate. Any change to this “at will” employment status must be in writing and signed by the Vice President of Human Resource.