At Sysco we understand that building a great company is just like creating a great product - you must have all the right ingredients. For us, those ingredients are the cultures, backgrounds, ideas, and experiences behind our diverse workforce that embodies Sysco. Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from the home.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Category Specialist is a valuable team member responsible for contributing to the effort of growing profitable sales through superior service to Marketing Associates, District Sales Managers, Program & Bid Sales, Business Development and Business Review Departments as well as Customers by providing solutions in a positive, proactive and timely manner on a daily basis. Effectively manages product mix and earned income stream through broker and vendor community.
- Reviews and manages daily Out of Stock Report
- Communicates relevant information with Category Planner/Category Analyst partners
- Communicates changes in market conditions, pricing, product, vendors, and special order items to the Marketing Associates.
- Evaluates and seeks out new items
- Coordinates and conducts product cuttings
- Processes new item requests
- Updates Broker SUVC and contact information in VMVM when changes occur
- Co-manages SKU reduction to include reviewing and submitting items to evaluate for discontinuation and communicating with Category Planner and Analyst.
- Manages deviations, deals, cost controllers, allowances and cost monitors
- Manages and negotiates Earned Income for local programs, growth programs, logistics opportunities and marketing programs. Reviews existing programs for opportunities and/or renewals and forwards paperwork to the Profit Management Department in a timely manner. Evaluates Merchandising Related Vendor Promotions and makes recommendations.
- Participates in all Sales Meetings
- Works with Director of Marketing on Sales initiatives including but not limited to customer directed events and promotional flyers
- Reviews vendors and items for promotions prior to requests going out to the broker/supplier community
- Reviews Supplier Promotions requests and makes recommendations prior to the PAC Meeting.
- Evaluates vendors for sales growth
- Ensures meaningful third line descriptions
- Attends all PAC Meetings, New Item Showcases, and appropriate Broker Reviews
REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions.
- Minimum of two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of culinary/food service education and experience.
ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
- Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Interpersonal Skills - Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork - Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
- Business Acumen - Demonstrates knowledge of market, competition, products and industry trends.
- Cost Consciousness - Develops and implements cost saving measures.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect.
- Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values.
- Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market, competition, customer and company product needs.
- Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Makes timely decisions.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
- Professionalism - Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
- Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
- Quantity – Completes work in timely manner; Works quickly.
- Adaptability - Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear. The associate is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
- Must be able to do limited travel to Sysco facilities or operating companies.
- If working remote, must have required software to ensure timely communications and have a dedicated work space free of any distractions and participate in conference calls in a business friendly environment.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Travel is required to meet with customers. Must maintain a valid driver’s license meeting company expectations. Must have reliable transportation with designated liability insurance coverage per Company requirements. Must complete a Sysco approved defensive driving course.
NOTICE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the environment and level of work being performed by this job. This job description in no way states or implies that the duties and responsibilities listed are the only tasks to be performed by the associate in this job. The associate will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by his or her supervisor.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Information:
Sysco is committed to providing comprehensive retirement and benefits programs, a stock purchase plan, product purchase discounts and much more!
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without future employment sponsorship.
Sysco Sacramento is a Tobacco Free Facility!
Sysco is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
EEO/AA-M/F/disability/protected veteran status/Genetic Data
All hiring decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Sysco Sacramento.
