Category Manager

Novolex is a leader in packaging innovation, choice and sustainability. We manufacture products in paper, plastic and sustainable materials for the food, retail, health and industrial markets.

• Salary range from $110,000 to $140,000
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  Medical, dental and vision options

  
  
• Wellness rewards to fund your HRA or HSA
• Paid holidays, time off, parental and other leaves
• Financial protection benefits such as life, AD&D and disability insurance, and 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions
• Education Support (for example, tuition reimbursement, Chairman's Scholarship, 529 College Savings Plan)
• Broad Based Employee Award Program-value sharing plan for all employees with one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program and much more!

*The range provided is based on cost of living/geography and what we believe is reasonable in the market at the time of the posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and an annual merit increase. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors.

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

The Category Manager is responsible for driving the performance and execution of assigned product categories within the quick service restaurant (QSR) business unit. This role supports the development and implementation of category strategies, product innovation, and commercialization efforts to meet customer needs and business objectives.

Reporting to the Director, Category Management, this role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Innovation & Sustainability, Operations, and Finance. The Manager will play a key role in translating customer insights into actionable plans, supporting go-to-market strategies, and ensuring operational readiness for product launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the execution of category strategies aligned with customer trends, innovation pipelines, and business growth goals
• Conducts market and competitive analysis to inform product and portfolio decisions, including SKU optimization and innovation opportunities
• Tracks category performance metrics and provides insights to inform strategic adjustments
• Assists in the development of customer-facing materials in partnership with Sales and Marketing
• Collaborates with Commercial Excellence on pricing analysis and margin management
• Works with R&D and Operations to assess feasibility and readiness for new product launches
• Acts as a voice of the customer within cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer needs
• Manages product lifecycle activities including commercialization planning, launch execution, and end-of-life transitions
• Contributes to a high-performance team culture focused on agility, innovation, and customer-centricity

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA or advanced degree a plus
• 5+ years of experience in category management, product marketing, or commercialization
• Strong understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and competitive dynamics
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams through product development and launch
• Analytical mindset with strong financial and business acumen
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills

Benefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance (including Telehealth options) as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through Novolex University. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

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