Category Manager – Dairy/Meat

naturalgrocers· Home Office
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📍 Golden, CO, USFULL TIME

About this role

Salary Range

USD $80,000.00/Yr. - USD $93,000.00/Yr.

Overview

The Job in a Nutshell

 

The Category Manager – Dairy/Meat, is responsible for developing and maintaining category assortments, planograms, pricing, and promotional strategies that support Natural Grocers’ competitive position and profitability. This role leads supplier negotiations, drives margin performance, stays aligned with trends and seasonality, and supports successful store‑level execution through strong collaboration and oversight.

 

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

09/02/2026

Responsibilities

Main Ingredients:

  • Assortments & Planograms
  • 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
  • New Products & Vendor Support
  • Evaluate new products to ensure alignment with Natural Grocers’ quality standards
  • Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive costs, value‑added programs, and exclusivity opportunities
  • Maintain strong vendor and broker relationships to support long‑term category growth
  • Ordering & Inventory
  • Manage promotional, new products, and new store ordering activities
  • Manage accurate pricing and inventory levels
  • Ensure returns, recalls, and related credits are properly executed and recovered
  • Promotions & Pricing
  • Manages promotional execution, documentation, and validation of vendor funding
  • Implement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and margin goals
  • Oversee pricing, freight, and promotional discrepancies to minimize lost sales and margin risk
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Serve as a key point of contact for stores, coordinators, suppliers, brokers, and internal partners
  • Provide guidance and education to support successful in‑store execution of purchasing initiatives
  • Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Hire, coach, and manage Purchasing Assistant(s) 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

    • Qualifications

    Recipe for Success:

     

  • 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%

    •  

    This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to them by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the salary disclosed for the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat position at naturalgrocers?
    The salary for this Category Manager – Dairy/Meat role at naturalgrocers is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
    Where is the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat position at naturalgrocers located?
    This Category Manager – Dairy/Meat role at naturalgrocers is based in Golden, CO, US. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
    Is the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat role at naturalgrocers full-time or part-time?
    This is listed as a FULL TIME position. It is posted as a Category Manager – Dairy/Meat role in the Home Office department at naturalgrocers.
    Which team or department does the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat at naturalgrocers belong to?
    This Category Manager – Dairy/Meat position is part of the Home Office department at naturalgrocers. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
    How do I apply for the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat position at naturalgrocers?
    Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to naturalgrocers's official application portal hosted on icims where you can submit your application directly.
    When was the Category Manager – Dairy/Meat job at naturalgrocers posted?
    This Category Manager – Dairy/Meat position at naturalgrocers was posted on Aug 18, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
    Category Manager – Dairy/Meat
    naturalgrocers
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