Join the Pack at Pet Food Experts!

With a rich history spanning over 80 years, Pet Food Experts has evolved from a small family-run business into the nation's leading pet specialty distributor, proudly serving over 10,000 pet retail locations nationwide. 

At Pet Food Experts (PFX), we do more than distribute the best pet products—we fuel independent pet retailers with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community. And now, with unprecedented growth and an expanded national footprint, we’re stronger than ever, ready to serve more retailers, support more brands, and make an even bigger impact in the pet industry. If you're an animal lover with a heart for independent businesses and a drive for excellence, we want you on our team!

The Director of Category Management is responsible for leading multiple cross-departmental teams (“X-D” teams), each comprised of a Brand Coordinator(s), a Replenishment Buyer, a Design Coordinator and a Vendor Billing Specialist, as well as a Category Manager, and serves as a vendor expert on all assigned brands and categories.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a primary relationship contact for vendors and facilitate communication between vendors and X-D team members who share the same portfolio made up of vendors from like categories to drive future efficiency and scalability.
• Act as the vendor’s advocate and liaison to the PFX Sales and Customer Experience Teams, and as such be responsible for promotions, provide product information, superior customer service in resolution of vendor issues/problems/questions, request samples of new products, maintain vendor contact files, execute vendor sponsored sales incentives and communicate opportunities to both HQ and Field Cx Teams.
• Responsible sales forecasting, margin improvement and retention, inventory metrics, including turns, SKU management, outdated products, and additional metrics.
• Responsible for curation and incubation of new sales and margin enhancing products within assigned categories.
• Collaborate effectively with internal department leaders to ensure alignment across all company departments.
• Collaborate with vendors to develop a strategic plan to include matrix pricing and promotional contributions, establish sales goals and promotional budgets, and new product introductions.
• Direct, coach, train and manage Brand Coordinator(s), Category Managers in developing category strategies for assigned categories and brands, and in support of the VenDev Dept.
• Understand territory restrictions and advocate for additional territory when appropriate.
• Utilize data to provide brand-specific performance analysis, such as amount of sales by representative, by territory, by customer type, gap analysis, etc.
• Evaluate and provide feedback to assist in determining new vendor opportunities for the company.
• Accountable to the sales forecast of the vendor and direct communication and coordination with Sales and Customer Experience Teams.
• Ensure appropriate collaboration with X-D Dir of Purchasing in terms of proposed new/changing SKU, promotional items, pricing information, transitions and substitutes, forecast lifts in inventory.
• Ensure appropriate collaboration with X-D Vendor Design Coordinators with responsibility for monthly promotions for the Monthly PFX Picks, sell sheets, trade shows, and proofread and approve all deals and flyers before forwarding to the Sales and Customer Experience Teams and/or customers.
• Ensure appropriate collaboration with X-D Vendor Billing Specialist by reviewing and advising on monthly bill backs and assist to resolve any late payments issues with bill backs.
• Work with vendors to establish promotional calendar and participation in Monthly PFX Picks. Manage and execute all trade show deals in a timely manner, as well as forecast lifts for trade shows.
• Represent Pet Food Experts at national trade shows: make appointments with vendors, gather information and present to the team upon return.
• Lead X-D team with regular meetings and updates.  
• Schedule, coordinate and execute a minimum of two formal vendor meetings per year with each vendor and attend brand presentations at Quarterly Sales Meeting

What We’re Looking For

• Excellent verbal and written communication/presentation skills
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate/inspire and lead a team of cross department team members
• Ability to effectively manage others through training and development  
• Work in a fluid team-based structure where daily responsibilities may shift departmentally
• Ability to work effectively with multiple levels of management and work both independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to achieve responsibilities and deadlines
• Strong business acumen including demonstrating sound judgment
• Detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple demands simultaneously.
• Customer-centric approach to working with vendors, teammates and co-workers.
• Proficient computer skills, Google Suite preferred
• Ability to travel up to 30% 
• Minimum 10 years purchasing and/or category/brand management and/or sales experience
• Consumer Goods Products/Pet Industry experience, preferred
• Budget, planning and management experience, preferred

Benefits and Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack!

• Competitive Pay – Because your hard work should be rewarded!
• Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision to keep you feeling your best.
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match – Helping you invest in your future.
• Flexible Time Off – Unlimited days to recharge, adventure, or just enjoy some quality time with your pet!
• Paid Parental Leave – Support for growing families (two-legged and four-legged!).
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance – We’ve got your back, no matter what.
• Health & Dependent Care FSAs – Because budgeting for wellness should be easy.
• Pet Perks & Discounts – Exclusive savings on the best pet products!
• Extra Voluntary Benefits – Convenient options for additional coverage, deducted straight from payroll.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Mental health, financial wellness, and more—because life happens.

Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer. Pet Food Experts does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

All offers of employment are contingent upon passing a required criminal background check.