Director of Category Management

About Misfits Market

Misfits Market is a mission-driven, high-growth startup dedicated to reducing food waste and making shopping for sustainable, high-quality groceries easier and more affordable. We deliver organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, dairy, bakery, wine, and other grocery items to nearly every zip code in 48 states at up to 30 percent off traditional grocery store prices. In 2022, Misfits Market acquired sustainable e-grocer Imperfect Foods and now leverages its in-house transportation network to deliver directly to consumers with one of the most carbon-efficient grocery delivery models on the market. By tackling inefficiencies in the food system, our passionate and motivated team of problem solvers helps save an average of 500,000 pounds of food per week from waste or lesser outcomes, with an all-time savings of 190+ million pounds of food.

As Misfits we support our customers and mission by embracing our core values of

Prioritizing our Customers

Doing more with less

Thinking Differently

Respecting one another

Moving deliberately and quickly

Taking initiative and delivering

Job Overview

As the Director of Category Management, you hold a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategy, development, and performance of multiple product categories. This role requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic business management to drive profitability, growth, and competitive advantage for Misfits Market. You will set the vision and direction for your business unit, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and mission-driven goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Direction

• Long-Term Strategy: Lead the creation and execution of long-term category strategies that align with the company’s overall business goals.

• Goal Setting: Set clear objectives for category growth, profitability, and market share while considering customer needs, market trends, and competitor actions.

• Visionary Leadership: Define category vision and direction, ensuring all initiatives are integrated with broader organizational priorities.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Enterprise Alignment: Partner with senior leadership in Brand, Marketing, Inventory Planning, and Operations to ensure category strategies are integrated across the business.

• Private Label Strategy: Collaborate with the Private Label team to define strategies between Private Label and Branded products that can be cascaded to the entire Merchandising team.

• Marketing & Strategy Planning: Lead communication with the Marketing team for campaigns and product launches. Work closely with Merch Strategy Planning on pricing strategies and profitability goals.

• Product & Engineering: Partner with Product and Engineering to develop and oversee workflow improvements that enhance internal efficiency and the overall customer experience.

Vendor Management

• Relationship Excellence: In this role, you will support the cultivation of strong vendor relationships and mentor Category Managers in relationship management, providing hands-on support and mentorship as needed.

• Oversight: Review supplier performance and guide direct reports on vendor selection and long-term agreements.

• Negotiation Authority: Sign off on high-impact negotiations regarding costing, margin, and inventory position, ensuring vendors are aligned with company growth goals.

Data Analysis & Industry Trends

• Strategic Insights: Utilize internal and 3rd-party data to shape strategic decisions, optimize performance, and stay ahead of emerging trends (consumer behavior, new technologies, economic conditions).

• Market Analysis: Influence and set the total Merchandising strategy. Implement processes for Category Managers to conduct regular market analysis on the competitive landscape and consumer preferences.

• Knowledge Sharing: Build relationships and manage contracts with 3rd-party data providers to drive information sharing across the company.

People Management

• Team Building: Responsible for building a cohesive, high-performing team. Balance strategic leadership with a willingness to be hands-on—especially as processes, tools, and structures continue to evolve.

• Strategic Prioritization: Guide the team in navigating ambiguity and shifting business objectives through rigorous prioritization and the implementation of industry best practices.

• Mentorship: Set clear expectations, offer support, and foster a positive work culture that encourages professional growth and accountability.

Core Values & Competencies

• Misfits Prioritize Our Customer (Business Acumen): You possess a transformation level of influence over the business unit. You are sought out as a thought partner for challenging cross-functional tensions and gaining sponsorship for vision and resourcing needs.

• Misfits Respect One Another (Communication): Regarded as a top influencer and collaborator, you are a thought partner to peers and senior leaders. You build bridges across teams and are respected for your impact on business results.

• Misfits Do More With Less (Project Management): You make appropriate trade-offs and contingency plans to ensure progress. You advocate for defensible resource requirements (budget and headcount) using data and specifics.

• Misfits Take Initiative & Deliver (Resilience): You factor in diverse perspectives from other functional leaders to translate vision into breakthrough, bold-but-realistic strategies.

• Misfits Move Quickly and Deliberately (Digital Fluency): You invite diverse perspectives to arrive at widely supported decisions and translate vision into viable 6- and 12-month roadmaps.

• Misfits Think Differently (Innovation): You are future-oriented, mapping out visions that include new opportunities and areas for improvement. You set aside resources for exploration and apply innovation in effective, business-building ways.

Qualifications & Technical Knowledge

• Experience: 5–7 years of experience in Category Management. (Overall food, ecomm, and digital experience preferred).

• Leadership Experience: 2+ years of managing 2+ direct reports is required.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.

• Technical Expertise:

• Deep understanding of merchandising and marketing principles tied to ecommerce.

• Expertise in KPI inputs, macro/micro trends, and product technical specifications (nutritional standards, materials, etc.).

• Knowledge of industry standards and certifications (Organic, Fair Trade, safety regulations).

• Technical expertise in quality control standards (shelf life, packaging durability, food safety).

Benefits

• Salary $155k - $185k

• Unlimited PTO

• Monthly Stipend to spend on Misfits Market

• Multiple health, dental, and vision plan options

• Life Insurance

• 401k plan