The Food Service Category Manager supports the day-to-day management and execution of Food Service categories, menu platforms, and strategic initiatives. This position serves as the key link between vendors, menu development, financials, Pricebook and kiosk setup, Marketing, Operations, Training, and launch execution. Working closely with Food Service leadership, the Category Manager coordinates menu changes, product launches, promotions, pricing, costing, system setup, and project timelines to ensure initiatives move efficiently from development through store implementation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and capable of managing multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of Food Service category strategies, menu platforms, promotional programs, and initiatives aligned with company goals.
- Coordinate menu and product development activities, including product specifications, recipes, costing, pricing, samples, tastings, testing, product assortments, menu changes, and supporting documentation.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities for new products, menu innovation, pricing, and category growth.
- Maintain accurate ingredient and recipe costs, monitor vendor cost changes, and prepare pricing, gross profit, margin, and competitive analyses to support sales and profitability objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, brokers, and other Food Service partners while coordinating product information, pricing, availability, samples, promotional support, and required follow-up.
- Support vendor negotiations and track contracts, pricing, promotional funding, rebates, allowances, and other vendor commitments. Monitor vendor performance and assist with resolving service, supply, or compliance issues.
- Coordinate with Pricebook and IT on new items, recipes, pricing, modifiers, kiosk pathways, menu configurations, system testing, and other requirements associated with menu changes and launches.
- Partner with Marketing and Operations to support the Food Service promotional calendar, including menu descriptions, photography, digital assets, signage, merchandising, product placement, and promotional materials.
- Coordinate with Operations and Training to ensure recipes, portion standards, procedures, planograms, training materials, distribution, and operational requirements are complete prior to implementation.
- Manage project and launch timelines across vendors, Food Service, Finance, Pricebook, IT, Marketing, Operations, Training, and other stakeholders to ensure deliverables, approvals, testing, and outstanding items remain on schedule.
- Monitor category performance, including sales, units, gross profit, margins, product mix, inventory, attachment rates, and promotional results. Provide reporting, insights, and recommendations to Food Service leadership.
- Conduct regular product and program performance reviews and support adjustments to assortment, pricing, promotions, and execution based on performance and business needs.
- Coordinate store tests, pilots, and launches; gather feedback, identify execution issues, and work with appropriate teams to support timely resolution and continuous improvement.
- Maintain organized category, vendor, menu, pricing, promotional, and project documentation to ensure accurate information is available throughout development and execution.
- Serve as a central connection between vendors, menu development, financials, Pricebook and kiosk setup, Marketing, Operations, Training, and launch execution to move Food Service initiatives efficiently from concept through successful store implementation.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field preferred.
- 3–5 years of experience in food service, category management, merchandising, purchasing, or a related role preferred.
- Experience within convenience retail, restaurants, food service, grocery, or other multi-unit retail environments strongly preferred.
- Experience managing food categories, including product selection, pricing, promotions, assortment, and product lifecycle.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing sales, margin, product mix, and customer trends to drive category performance.
- Experience working with food manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and vendor partners, including product sourcing and negotiations.
- Knowledge of food costs, margins, inventory management, and profitability.
- Experience supporting new product development, menu innovation, product testing, and successful product launches.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data/reporting tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Marketing, Procurement, Finance, Training, and other cross-functional teams.
Why Join Us:
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Competitive pay + performance bonus
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Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
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Growth opportunities in a fast-paced retail environment
About Rutter’s:
Rutter’s is a family-owned convenience store chain with a proud history of serving communities across Pennsylvania and beyond. Known for our award-winning foodservice, top-tier customer experience, and commitment to innovation, Rutter’s continues to grow as one of the most recognized names in the industry. Join our team and help shape the future of convenience retail.
EEO Statement
Rutter’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other protected status under Local, State or Federal Regulations.
