Associate, Category Management

homechef

Chicago, IL · Chicago · United States

Posted Aug 20, 2026

Other
Supply Chain

Job description

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We’re eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef’s offerings.

The Associate Category Manager is responsible for building a national category strategy by researching suppliers, performing RFPs, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and also executing that strategy at the plant level.

Detailed Responsibilities

Category Strategy

Research the supply chain, industry structure, and potential supplier partners by using online tools, industry resources, and talking to suppliers
Conduct research into supplier capabilities and product portfolios
Create and present recommendations for sourcing strategies based on data-driven research
Formulate and execute strategic sourcing plans with our distribution/fulfillment centers

Cross-functional Collaboration

Support the plants by improving efficiencies, manage category costs, and reducing fulfillment and cost risk within the Home Chef supply chain.
Work with cross-functional teams (Operations, Culinary, Food Safety, Supplier Quality, Procurement) to compare supplier samples, align on product spec and troubleshoot quality concerns
Assist in managing emergency supply shorts and use category expertise to expedite replacement products or substitutes to plant teams

Minor Sourcing Project Management

Conduct supplier discovery, exploratory conversations, and research
Ensure NDAs are signed and draft RFP documentation
Analyze bids received and provide pricing feedback to suppliers
Make sourcing recommendations to category managers

Vendor Management

Work and communicate with supplier partners to ensure that category goals are met
Share short-term and long-term forecasts with vendors
Address quality and fulfillment-related issues with the vendors and make sure corrective actions are taken
Collect required documentation from vendors to meet FSQA guidelines

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

1+ year(s) experience in strategic sourcing, ideally within perishable goods
Strong analytical skills, with competency in Excel
Experience in relationship management
Completion of a four-year degree in business or a related field

More About Us

Perks and Benefits

Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
401k program
Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses

How We Work Together

We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.

We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.

We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.

Be at Home at Home Chef

We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you’ll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.

We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at hr@homechef.com.

Home Chef offers the base salary range as posted below, with the exact offer depending on factors such as geographic location, experience, skills, and internal equity. While compensation is within the provided range, it is not typical for offers to be made at the upper end. In addition to base salary, Home Chef provides a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, 401k match, and paid time off.

Illinois Pay Range

$67,000—$74,500 USD

To view the California Applicant Notice click here