Category Manager - Farm, Ag & Wildlife

Spokane Valley, WA

AFCO Distribution & Milling is a division of Skagit Farmers Supply, a diversified agricultural supply cooperative. Skagit Farmers Supply, based in Burlington, WA, has been in business since 1934, and continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the farmers, homeowners, businesses, families, and communities in the Pacific Northwest. The company operates Agronomy, Propane, Refined Fuels and Wholesale divisions as well as ten retail Country Store locations in Washington & Montana. Our commitment is to provide quality products and services to our customers and community partners.

AFCO serves over 800 retail customers. The company distributes products such as animal feed, wildlife products, pet food and supplies, fencing and livestock equipment. Customers receive weekly orders within routed territories. Delivery is provided by AFCO’s fleet of company trucks.

The company is seeking candidates for a Farm, Agricultural and Wildlife Category Manger. Category Managers play a key role in shaping our product assortments and driving the success of their assigned categories. In this role, you’ll develop and execute category strategies, set pricing, partner closely with merchandising, and help guide marketing initiatives that support growth. You’ll also train team members, maintain strong vendor relationships, and stay tuned into competitive activity in the marketplace. We’re looking for someone who is flexible, detail-oriented, and positive, someone who can use both internal insights and industry trends to build smart category plans that maximize profitability and elevate the customer experience.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the financial performance of assigned categories, including budgeted sales, gross margin, inventory levels, inventory turns, and GMROI.
• Monitor vendor cost changes and manage pricing strategies to maintain healthy margins.
• Identify market trends and develop strategies that outline category strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendor partners, focusing on assortment planning, product cost, pricing, logistics, and rebate programs.
• Serve as a key communication link between sales, marketing, and vendor partners, ensuring alignment on category goals and initiatives.
• Partner with sales and marketing to drive revenue, maximize profitability, increase product awareness, and attract customers.
• Oversee and execute line closeouts and removal of dead stock to maintain a healthy inventory mix.
• Leverage vendor market research, industry data, and dealer feedback to identify opportunities for category growth and improved performance.
• Attend trade shows, conventions, and vendor facility visits as needed.
• Exhibit an ability to receive feedback, adapt to new processes and continuously develop skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate, communicate well and effectively relay information with an emphasis on developing positive professional relationships.
• Practice punctual and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.
• College degree in marketing, business, supply chain management or equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills.
• Three years of experience as a category buyer/manager.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent product knowledge and ability to identify current and upcoming trends.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office.
• Ability to understand and create reports from sales data, showing financial analysis that will enhance business decisions.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

This is a salaried, full-time, 45+ hours per week position. Monday through Friday. Qualified applicants must be available to work weekends as needed.

SCHEDULE

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Annual base salary: $82,000 – $90,000. After meeting eligibility requirements, benefits include:
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Vacation*
• Dental Insurance
• Sick Pay
• Life Insurance
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Match
• Employee Discounts
• Dependent Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Profit Sharing
*Two to six weeks annually, depending on length of full-time service.