Category Manager – Grocery

Natural Grocers

. Develop and maintain core assortments and schematics, including new, exclusive, and private label items .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeGolden • Colorado • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $93,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in category management and product assortment development, with a strong focus on vendor negotiation, pricing strategies, and inventory management. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and ensure compliance with quality standards in a corporate retail environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Category ManagementVendor NegotiationInventory ManagementAnalytical SkillsProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Product Assortment DevelopmentPricing StrategiesPromotional ExecutionQuality Standards EvaluationSAP Experience

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsRelationship BuildingNegotiation SkillsTeam LeadershipProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

MS WordMS ExcelMS PowerPointMS AccessMS Outlook

Industry Keywords

Corporate RetailNatural FoodsBuyingProduct IntroductionStore Launch

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain core assortments and schematics, including new, exclusive, and private label items
Manage product introductions, discontinuations, and store-specific assortments
Partner with coordinators and stores to ensure accurate and consistent execution, including new store launches
Evaluate new products against Natural Grocers’ quality standards
Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive costs, value-added programs, and exclusivity opportunities
Maintain vendor and broker relationships to support long-term category growth
Manage promotional, new product, and new store ordering and coordination activities
Manage accurate pricing and inventory levels
Ensure returns, recalls, and related credits are properly executed and recovered
Manage promotional execution, documentation, and validation of vendor funding
Implement pricing strategies balancing competitiveness and margin goals
Oversee pricing, freight, and promotional discrepancies to minimize lost sales and margin risk
Serve as a key point of contact for stores, coordinators, suppliers, brokers, and internal partners
Provide guidance and education supporting in-store execution of purchasing initiatives
Hire, coach, and manage two Purchasing Assistants or other support roles
Oversee daily workflow, accuracy, and prioritization
Conduct performance reviews and manage employee development and corrective actions in accordance with company policy

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in business preferred
Minimum 3 years’ experience in a buying or category management role, preferably corporate retail in natural foods
Excellent written and communication skills are required
Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Outlook are required
Previous experience with SAP a plus
Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze results
Strong relationship building, negotiations, and influencing skills
Travel up to 25%