What Drives Us: Our Core Values

At the heart of everything we do are five core values that shape our culture, guide our decisions, and keep us moving forward as a team. These aren't just words on a wall—they’re the standard we hold ourselves to every day.

1. Be Proud, Be Passionate

We believe great work starts with ownership and enthusiasm. We take pride in what we create—not just in the final product, but in how we get there. Every project is a chance to bring our best selves forward, to stand behind our work with confidence, and to let our passion drive innovation and excellence. We care deeply, and it shows.

2. Find the Good, Spread the Vibe

Positive energy creates momentum. We seek out what's working, celebrate wins (big and small), and uplift the people around us. Challenges come and go, but our attitude is what sets us apart. Whether we’re collaborating with teammates or serving customers, we lead with kindness, optimism, and the belief that every day is an opportunity to make someone’s day better.

3. Stay Curious

We never stop learning. Curiosity fuels our growth and keeps us adaptable in a world that’s constantly changing. We ask questions, dig deeper, and stay open to new ideas and perspectives. If there's a better way to do something, we want to find it. We embrace experimentation, welcome feedback, and strive to learn something new—every single day.

4. Respect Everyone, Respect Everything

Respect is the foundation of trust—and trust is the foundation of great teams. We listen before we speak. We value different viewpoints. We honor our commitments, treat people with dignity, and take care of the resources we’re given. Whether it’s a teammate’s time, a client’s business, or the planet we live on—we believe everything deserves thoughtful attention.

5. Get It Done

We show up with purpose and deliver with focus. When we say we’ll do something, we follow through—no excuses, no shortcuts. We believe in rolling up our sleeves, solving problems, and pushing through obstacles to make things happen. Results matter—but so does the grit, resourcefulness, and accountability it takes to get there.

Join Us

At the intersection of foodservice and innovation, you’ll find Culinary Depot—a company built on hard work, hands-on experience, and a relentless drive to serve. Founded by Sholem Potash in 1999 and expanded under CEO Michael Lichter, we’ve grown from a trusted equipment supplier into a full-service solution for commercial kitchens across the country.

Our mission is simple: deliver excellence to our customers and opportunity to our team. We’re passionate about what we do, and we believe that when our people thrive, our business thrives. Whether you're on the front lines or behind the scenes, your work matters here.

We’re proud of where we came from—and even more excited about where we’re going. If you're ready to grow with a company that values dedication, curiosity, and getting things done, we invite you to explore our open positions and apply today.

Category Manager

Spring Valley, NY

Full Time

Experienced

The Category Manager is the strategic leader of their business unit, responsible for overseeing all purchasing and merchandising efforts across multiple sales channels. This role requires a balance of big-picture strategic thinking and detailed execution to ensure that the right products are offered to the right customers at the right time. You will lead initiatives to expand existing categories, identify new product opportunities, and develop strong relationships with key vendors to drive both top-line growth and long-term customer satisfaction. As a Category Manager, you will act as a business owner, making data-driven decisions that optimize profitability while delivering exceptional value to customers. You will also collaborate closely with sales teams to tailor solutions that maximize offerings, service support, and pricing strategies across channels. Salary: $120,000–$140,000 + bonus structure.

Key Responsibilities:

Drive Top-Line Growth

Onboard strategic vendors in existing and new categories
Identify new growth opportunities across different sales channels, products, and customer bases
Optimize product mix to maximize customer satisfaction and GP$
Prioritize initiatives with "partner-level" vendors to drive strategic growth

Drive Bottom-Line Growth

Maintain precise understanding of all category cost drivers (COGS, commodity markets, freight/logistics, tariffs, SGA, etc.)
Strategically position products across sales channels to optimize GP$
Act as a business owner, strategically deploying capital to maximize ROI

Drive Optimal Sales Support

Develop deep category expertise and serve as the go-to person for categories and vendors
Collaborate with sales channels to tailor solutions that maximize offerings, pricing, and service support
Ensure after-sales support and foster strong relationships with regional reps
Build best-in-class relationships with key suppliers to become their preferred dealer
Educate customers throughout the purchasing process, including product content, placement, warranty, and service

Requirements:

Experience:

3+ years in a buying role; foodservice or distribution experience preferred

Skills:

Strong ability to think strategically while managing details
Excellent communication and analytical skills

Passion:

Commitment to becoming a trusted advisor and playing a pivotal role in the team’s and customers’ success

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