Category Manager - Ingredients

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $58,000-$73,000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!

About Us:
Nelson-Jameson is a trusted leader in the food manufacturing industry, providing high-quality products and innovative solutions since 1947. We specialize in food processing products and services that help organizations maintain the highest standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned business, we value accountability, teamwork, and growth—both for our employees and the company.

We’re proud of our close-knit, family-oriented culture, where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to grow. From wellness programs to career development, we prioritize both employee well-being and professional success. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a trusted, optimistic team, we invite you to apply and join us at Nelson-Jameson!

Job Summary:
We’re seeking a results-oriented Category Manager for a product category within our Ingredients portfolio. This role manages a diverse portfolio of products as a part of food processing. This role will oversee products that could include brined jalapenos, dried spices, food grade salt, and various other flavor enhancing ingredients.

As a Category Manager, you’ll work directly with vendors and help drive profitability through strategic marketing and sales efforts. You’ll play a key role in analyzing sales performance, developing pricing strategies, and collaborating across departments to ensure product success. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented team, build strong vendor relationships, and drive impactful marketing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimize an assigned product portfolio, researching and sourcing new vendors and products to increase sales and profitability.
• Develop strong, strategic relationships with vendors to enhance product offerings and market performance.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure competitive advantage and maximize profitability.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate standard pricing, adjusting as necessary to improve margins.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure proper inventory levels for the product portfolio.
• Analyze sales data to allocate resources, improve product performance, and identify trends or potential issues.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies for the product portfolio, working closely with the Marketing Department and other stakeholders.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing efforts, including ROI analysis.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate quality documentation in coordination with the Regulatory Team.
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to define customer needs through site visits, samples, and trial events.
• Work with vendors to target key accounts, develop pricing programs, and encourage collaboration with sales representatives.
• Direct the duties of the Product Administrator for your assigned product line.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Required:
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in distribution, sales, or marketing.
  • Strong knowledge of industry products and customer needs.
  • Willingness & ability to travel occasionally for trade shows, training, or customer interaction.
• Preferred:
  • Post-secondary education or coursework in business, marketing, sales, or a related field.
  • Experience in the food processing industry is a plus.

Why Nelson-Jameson?
At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, you’ll receive:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation:
• Starting Salary Range: $58,000-$73,000 annually
  • Annual Discretionary Bonus
  • Annual Merit Increases
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Flexibility to work from home on an occasional basis
• And much more!

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site!

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.