Category Manager
About the job
- A Bachelor's Degree in Business, a related field, or equivalent experience is required.
- A minimum of 5 years of buying and merchandising experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, quantitative analysis, resource allocation, and leadership techniques is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, is required.
- Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal, verbal communication, listening, negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, and assertiveness skills are required.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while supporting research and execution of the team plan is required.
- Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule is required.
- Professional presence and proper phone and email etiquette are required.
- The ability to sit or stand at a desk or computer for 75% of the time is required.
- Fine finger and broad manual dexterity are required.
- Build weekly itemization, pricing, and layouts for advertising offers across ad inserts, direct mail, and digital advertising to deliver sales and gross profit plans.
- Proof all department advertising for accuracy and completeness.
- Identify suppliers, including vendors, brokers, and manufacturers; select merchandise; and negotiate contracts.
- Negotiate and purchase products at the most favorable cost in quantities consistent with store trends and sales volume.
- Monitor sales of key items and make adjustments based on competitor market pricing and advertising.
- Manage everyday and seasonal product assortments for all store locations.
- Review and provide direction on item deselection, new item additions, and placement for planograms.
- Negotiate advertising, new item, and placement fees with vendors.
- Develop strategies to drive sales while analyzing market trends for new and existing items.
- Deliver annual operating plan sales and gross profit targets.
- Forecast and place timely orders for key advertising items, seasonal items, and warehouse inventory.
- Provide adequate notice to arrange coverage for occasional absences.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- A minimum of 5 years of buying and merchandising experience.
About the company
Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based grocer with 40+ full-service supermarkets. It provides groceries and everyday essentials with a focus on strong customer service and value, supported by extensive associate benefits and programs that aim to empower staff. The stores stock a wide range of products in a traditional grocery format, including fresh departments, household items, and personal care, and they emphasize community involvement in their operations. Unlike many competitors, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities and treating guests and associates as top priorities. The company’s goal is to serve Wisconsin communities with reliable, friendly service and good value while supporting its employees and local programs.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
De Pere, Wisconsin
Founded
1946
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Todd Schnuck closed the acquisition on October 20, 2025, adding 51 stores and scale.
- Festival opened Kimberly on September 20, 2026, and Hudson opens November 8, 2026.
- Adam Whitney became COO in August 2026, tightening merchandising and fresh execution.
What critics are saying
- Festival faces a $7.5 million overtime settlement in Dyer v. Skogen’s Foodliner, Inc.
- Greenfield closed after a November 4, 2026 WARN layoff notice, signaling weak locations.
- Failed integration erases Festival’s local-brand advantage and triggers customer defections.
What makes Festival Foods unique
- Festival Foods keeps 42 Wisconsin stores and local banners under 1939 Group, since 2025.
- Its community-focused format survived Schnuck ownership, preserving headquarters in Wisconsin and store-level autonomy.
- Mark Skogen’s 2025 sale protected employee legacy through ESOP inclusion and banner continuity.
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Benefits
Employee Discounts
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Parental Leave
Wellness Program
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Company News
Schnuck Markets, Inc. has acquired 100% of the shares of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. through the 1939 Group, Inc., owned by the Schnuck family. The acquisition includes shares from CEO Mark Skogen and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The 1939 Group will maintain the existing store banners and corporate headquarters, with Todd Schnuck as Chairman and CEO. The transaction is expected to close in October, subject to customary approvals.