NA Category Specialist

The NA Category Specialist supports the Category Manager in executing strategies to achieve sales, margin, and brand goals. Provides performance analysis recommendations to support the Category Manager and Lead Category Buyer in end-to-end category management informed by knowledge of current trends, internal and external category data, and feedback from engaged relationships with GFS divisions and Regional Merchandising teams. Supports and implements go-to-market activities to support division sales and marketing strategy. Supports and executes project management of product lifecycle processes for assigned product lines, ensuring the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of relevant core product data to maximize Gordon Food Service (GFS) sales and net margin of assigned product lines.

What you will do:

Category & Vendor Management

• Provides support and recommendations in the development of strategies, providing insight to achieve volume and margin targets in support of segmented customer and brand marketing plans.

• Collaborates with the Category Manager, Business Manager, Regional Merchandising, and Divisions to ensure that appropriate products are effectively prioritized, marketed and merchandised.

• Approves new product setup and executes introduction, taxonomy, conversion, and discontinuance resulting from end-to-end category management process.

• Assists the Category Manager in developing product marketing tools and tactics in collaboration with the Brands, Marketing Communications, and merchandising regions.

• Executes all aspects of the product lifecycle management process from initial sourcing and market introduction to product positioning to deletion.

• Assists in New Innovation  Pipeline/ Portfolio Gaps (Brands and NB) and supports development  to commercialization  

• Assists in development of Conversions: Preferred Portfolio,  Forced (SKU rationalization), Selling conversions (Sales / NMU)"

• Collaborates with Insights team (Vendor/NPD/Direct Link) to fully leverage data in category decisions

• Executes Cost Strategy initiatives identified through Variant Tree &  Cost Stratification activity while also maintaining BCI rules and attributes

• Understands Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s- Top Line Growth, Vendor Income, Net Margin, Market Share) and supports the Category Manager in assuring the financial health of the business.

• Responsible for supporting all segments of the business.

• Effectively manages expenses within budget for associated tools and promotions.

• Maintains a working knowledge of quality assurance requirements for products, GFS brands, and vendor compliance.  

• Maintains knowledge of industry trends and developments by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related conferences, seminars, supplier training visits, etc.  Maintains industry relationships to share issues and ideas.

• Works collaboratively with other peers towards continuous improvement of existing processes and development of new tools to drive greater Category Management efficiencies

• Assists Category Manager and Lead Category Buyer with Competitive Market Review strategies for assigned product lines. 

• Develops and manages strategic relationships with select vendors through regular communications and Vendor Business Reviews.

• Supports Joint Business Planning Process with vendor partners.

• Responsible for acquisition, accuracy, timeliness and relevance of core product data information.

• Adheres to the mission and cornerstone values and applicable practices of the organization.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Your Work Schedule & Flexibility:

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Standard Business Hours).

• Modern Hybrid Model: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a flexible schedule: 4 days in the office, 1 day working from home.

What you'll bring to the table:

• More than two years of product / category knowledge or previous marketing experience preferred as typically obtained through a bachelor’s prepared education or a combination of applicable on-the-job experience and education, or an internship. 

• High School / Equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree Business Administration or Marketing preferred.

• Knowledge of principles and methods for merchandising products and services. Knowledge of product and marketing segments.

• Able to design, implement, and follow structured workflows to manage multiple projects simultaneously; drives on-time and on-budget delivery with strong personal accountability.

• Understands strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational dynamics to effectively align people, budgets, and operational timelines.

• Proficient in leveraging data and analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Access) to extract insights, support executive decision-making, and tell a compelling product story.

• Proficient in leveraging data and analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Access) to extract insights, support executive decision-making, and tell a compelling product story.

• Uses logic, reasoning, and cost-benefit analyses to diagnose complex issues, evaluate alternative approaches, and implement optimal solutions.

• Possesses strong verbal, written, and presentation skills to pitch ideas, share findings, and influence diverse stakeholders; practices active listening to ensure team alignment.