JOB FILLED - Produce Category Manager - Confidential #8138

The Produce Category Manager is responsible for managing vendor relationships and category item assortment to drive sales and margin.

Responsible for purchase order accuracy, including correct items and costs. Achieves or exceeds budgeted service level and spoilage. Helps to identify and report inventory discrepancies.

Responsible for driving profitable sales growth of the produce category within a region. Collaborates cross functionally including but not limited to sales, supply chain, management and across multiple divisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop category business plans for assigned categories using all available resources, including analysis of both internal and syndicated data, and expertise, commodity reports, trade/industry news, consumer trends and customer feedback.
• Support established logistical procedures to facilitate product arrival and working with vendors to resolve freight damage, product damage/quality issues or discrepancies in quantities. Assist with claims related to these findings.
• Vender account responsibilities if assigned, such as adhering to approved supplier requirements in onboarding and continuing of vendors, maintaining appropriate inventory levels, monitors vendor performance.
• All employees are responsible for food safety and are expected to notify the appropriate manager, supervisor, or key personnel if they witness any compromise to food safety or food quality.
• Solid negotiating skills
• Manage costs according to program stipulations and best practices in such as escalated or deescalated contract pricing, off invoice price cycles or ads.
• Understand and achieve KPIs in fill rate, variance management, proper inbound freight maintenance, PO accuracy, contract compliance, and other KPIs assigned by your manager.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

• Education requirements: High School preferred
• Purchasing extensive experience required
• Computer competency, including Excel, Word, & Outlook
• Knowledge of Power Enterprise a plus
• Able to multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Be able to set priorities, meet deadlines, and able to accomplish team objectives.
• Strong math & writing skills required to quickly multiply & add cases/pallets & calculate product cost, market, and margin.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Lead and direct sales team on their categories
• Negotiate and collaborate with suppliers on pricing, product assortment, promotions, ads, services, and support; acts as primary contact with direct suppliers.
• Continually identify and determine optimum source of supply to ensure best cost and highest quality products and service.
• Participate in daily warehouse walks to inspect and grade or appraise agricultural and other commodities offered for sale to determine value and yield.
• Manage inventory, shrink and service levels to meet or exceed company expectations.
• Establish, maintain, and manage relationships with suppliers.
• Monitor, manage and report business trends in the industry and maintain awareness of market trends, food safety, technology, and weather across all growing regions.