East Bank Club

Category and Purchasing Manager

East Bank Club  •  $90k/yr  •  Chicago, IL (Onsite)  •  4 days ago
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Job Description

The Market Category and Purchasing Manager is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the Market’s retail categories within the East Bank Club. Reporting directly to the Director of Food & Beverage and working in partnership with Market and Culinary leadership, this role drives innovation, profitability, and member satisfaction through ownership of product assortment, purchasing, pricing, merchandising, and promotional strategy.

This role is accountable for sales growth, margin performance, and in-store execution, ensuring the Market delivers a high-quality, curated experience aligned with East Bank Club’s luxury positioning and Live Well philosophy.

Compensation: $90,000-105,000 annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Product Strategy & Category Management

  • Develop and maintain a curated product assortment aligned with member preferences, luxury positioning, and evolving market trends.
  • Balance “better-for-you” and indulgent offerings to support East Bank Club’s Live Well philosophy.
  • Partner with Culinary and Nutrition teams to develop and refine grab-and-go, fit meals, and fresh offerings.
  • Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and assortment gaps.
  • Monitor category performance using key metrics and implement strategies to optimize sales, profitability, and member satisfaction.
  • Develop and execute pricing strategies that balance profitability with member value perception.

Vendor & Purchasing Management

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure quality products and favorable terms.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Market General Manager to manage inventory levels and control costs.
  • Resolve procurement-related issues with vendors, departments, or staff.
  • Lead and manage all staff within the Purchasing Department, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
  • Coordinate with vendors and internal teams on product placement, in-store displays, and merchandising support for new or seasonal products.

Operations Support & Team Collaboration

  • Maintain accurate inventory records, POS systems, and reporting tools to ensure reliable data for decision-making.
  • Ensure proper organization and condition of storage facilities and receiving areas.
  • Conduct regular merchandising and product quality walks to ensure standards of presentation, freshness, and availability.
  • Work closely with the Market management team to support daily operations as needed.
  • Support cross-departmental initiatives, promotions, and member events.

Promotions & Program Development

  • Develop and execute a promotional calendar in partnership with Marketing, Culinary, and Market leadership.
  • Drive in-store activations, seasonal programs, and product launches to increase traffic and basket size.
  • Support member events and cross-departmental initiatives through strategic product offerings.
  • Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adjust strategies based on performance data and member feedback.

Other Responsibilities

  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Market and F&B department.
  • Support cross-departmental initiatives and club-wide programming.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Food & Beverage.
East Bank Club

About East Bank Club

A veritable Chicago institution, East Bank Club is recognized as the country's most gracious and dynamic fitness, sports and dining facility. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the Club opened its doors in 1980 and employs more than 400 employees.

East Bank Club has set the standard for first-class hospitality and excellence in the fitness industry, a standard exemplified by each employee. The bonds employees create with fellow staff, members and the Club itself keep members and employees returning day after day.

Career options at the Club include positions in customer service, fitness, spa and salon, and food and beverage, among many other opportunities. Each and every employee is a valued and vital member of the East Bank Club team.

East Bank Club employees find pride in the Club's status as an industry leader. The Club is considered the gold standard in the industry, with state-of-the-art equipment, extensive programming, a wide array of amenities, and excellent and highly qualified staff.

Employees are encouraged to utilize the Club’s workout facilities to fully embrace the Club’s ethos to live well. In addition, the Club offers highly competitive wages and benefits.

East Bank Club employees are committed to helping our members live well. More than half of the Club’s employees have been committed to this goal for five years or more. That is what happens when you work for an industry leader. That is what happens when your employer sets the standard. That is what happens when you focus on health that goes beyond fitness. It takes a simple commitment. Are you ready?

Industry
Arts & Entertainment
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Year Founded
1980
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