The Sr. Category Manager – Foodservice is responsible for executing category growth initiatives across grain-based platforms including artisan breads, biscuits, gravy, English muffins, tortillas, buns and rolls, pizza crusts, cookies, and emerging grain-forward solutions. This role translates operator insights, distributor movement data, and industry trends into actionable programs that drive distribution, menu penetration, and profitable growth across broadline distributors, regional distributors, and multi-unit operators. This position works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Culinary, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure effective commercialization and execution across the Foodservice channel.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Category Execution & Portfolio Management
- Execute growth initiatives across core grain-based platforms.
- Monitor distributor velocity, operator penetration, and menu placement trends.
- Identify assortment gaps and recommend SKU optimization.
- Support execution of national and regional chain menu rollouts.
- Lead item setup, and specification updates.
Data Synthesis & Performance Tracking
- Analyze syndicated foodservice data and distributor movement reports.
- Track grain trends.
- Develop monthly performance dashboards focused on revenue, margin, distribution, and menu adoption.
- Translate insights into pricing, case pack optimization, and promotional adjustments.
Distributor & Operator Support
- Create distributor-facing sell sheets and category opportunity decks.
- Support broker teams with execution tools and training materials.
- Assist Sales with data-backed operator presentations and quarterly business reviews.
- Monitor inventory turns and coordinate corrective actions for underperforming SKUs.
Marketing & Culinary Alignment
- Partner with Marketing to align activation plans with trends and operator demand.
- Support LTOs and innovation launches.
- Provide feedback on packaging, pack sizes, and product specifications.
- Measure effectiveness of promotional programs and trade investments.
Operational & Forecast Alignment
- Monitor fill rates and service levels across distributor networks.
- Assist with forecast adjustments tied to menu placements and contract wins.
Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Track revenue, margin, and trade spend across grain-based categories.
- Support pricing strategy and contract execution for key operators.
- Build financial justification for innovation launches and distribution expansion.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field.
5+ years of experience in Foodservice Category Management, Trade Marketing, Sales Strategy, or Distributor Management.
Experience working with broadline distributors preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software; Advanced Excel skills; Power BI or Tableau experience preferred.
Strong analytical experience with syndicated and distributor data.
Execution-driven and operationally disciplined
Strong understanding of foodservice product applications
Ability to translate data into tactical field action and tool development
Cross-functional collaboration and influence
Financial and margin awareness
Operator-focused mindset

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Typical work in an office environment.
May require time spent in food production facilities, distributor warehouses, test kitchens, or customer locations, which may involve exposure to varying temperatures, food allergens, and manufacturing equipment.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds (e.g., product samples, marketing materials, or trade show materials).

Expectations:

Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$93,598.00 - $173,668.00

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

C.H. Guenther & Son

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Sr. Foodservice Category Manager