JOB FILLED - Category Manager, Produce - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

JOB FILLED - Category Manager, Produce

Job Description: 

Grow with us!

If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting.  Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.

The Category Manager plans and directs all aspects of product development policies, programs, objectives, and initiatives with oversight from the VP of Sales and Merchandising. This position researches new products, product enhancements, and product redesign that are consistent in meeting the expectations of Sprouts minimum standards for the department. The Category Manager analyzes past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. This position selects, orders, and authorizes payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements.

Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Requirements: 
  • Preferred Bachelor Degree in Business or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of departmental experience, with experience as Merchandiser or Manager preferred
  • Previous buying/negotiating experience required
  • Requires long-term strategic and financial planning skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and the Internet
  • Ability to preserve confidentiality of information, communicate with all levels of management and work within strict time frames and resolute deadlines
  • Complete understanding of P/L statements, general ledgers, and margins
  • Some travel required

In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:

  • Competitive pay
  • Opportunities for career growth
  • 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
  • Flexible schedules
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:

  • 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
  • Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental vision
  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
  • Company paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
Responsibilities & Duties: 
  • Help outline and follow Sprouts standards for all products carried in the department and assure that all in house recipe and vendor products meet those standards on quality and price
  • Provide the stores with relevant data to make informed decisions about the department and how to maximize profitability
  • Create programs with training that maximize sales, margin and minimize spoilage
  • Establish and manage inventory processes that ensure accurate accounting
  • Establish retail and promotional pricing on a regional or global basis to meet budgetary goals
  • Develop and maintain budget, sales, gross margins, and profit goals for department
  • Review all weekly, monthly, and quarterly statements
  • Develop and communicate easy to use weekly merchandising plans and directives for merchandiser and store use
  • Oversee all department marketing plans and ads, including weekly flyer, ROPs, etc
  • Develop training that enhances and encourages product knowledge growth and development
  • Keep the department fresh and appealing to customers by regularly incorporating new product into the overall product mix
  • Respond to vendor/customer issues as needed on a timely basis
  • Oversee the department to ensure the focus is on customer service, Sprouts' vision, profit, and employee development
  • Maintain awareness of Sprouts marketing strategies and competitive activity
  • Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships
  • Support and act as a liaison between Sprouts stores and vendors to assure quality products and department standards are being delivered
  • Supply clear direction for new & existing stores on proper department layout, schematics, opening orders, programs & training
  • Coordinate and source vendor participation for new store openings and resets
  • Ensure that all federal, state, and company regulations and standards for product freshness, safety, refrigeration, and sanitation are met
  • Develop strategies that keep Sprouts on the cutting edge of the industry
  • Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees, or oversee those personnel processes