Job Description:
As a Category Specialist, you’ll be accountable for developing and growing the lucrative Grapes and Stone Fruit category within the Northeast region, playing a critical role in shaping overall direction and supply plan. You’ll be the go-to person on both strategic and tactical issues for Sales, Account Management, Supply and Leadership as you work with growers to develop 52-week programs. This is a highly visible, collaborative role, involving daily interaction with Sales and Account Management.
Our Category Specialists have excellent communication skills, can establish immediate credibility and develop positive working relationships that drive critical business activity. We offer a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, paid holidays and vacation, disability insurance, life insurance, 401K with company match, profit sharing, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the opportunity to prosper in a Fortune 500 company.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
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Minimum 3+ years fresh produce experience preferred (in buying and selling)
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3+ years category management experience at the retail level preferred
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Experience in grapes and stone fruit preferred
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Proficiency or fluency in Spanish preferred
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Strategic and innovative mindset, able to drive initiatives from conception to implementation
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Strong analytical and problem solving skills; ability to make data-driven decisions
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Excellent customer/supplier service skills
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High degree of knowledge of the grower/ shipper side of the industry
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including persuasion and negotiation
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Solid financial acumen
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Strong team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
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Travel up to 20%
Responsibilities & Duties:
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Represent and communicate the needs and supply requirements of the region within the category.
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Develop category programs that maximize net revenue opportunities while growing customer penetration and grower/vendor support.
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Support business development activity and own pipeline both in terms of existing customer penetration and new/new activity.
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Oversee the day to day management of the category including communication, execution, service levels-both directions, project management, contract proposals, new target quoting, and reporting.
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Provide monthly and quarterly result reports related to the category.
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Develop category target plans for top accounts with Account Managers/Category Managers for greater penetration.
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Own daily, promotional, and contract pricing decisions.
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Support and drive company branded sales programs.
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Focus on innovation within the category by establishing a truly differentiated offering through packaging and varietals; offering to match the market and customer needs.
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Work with internal partners to help develop supply chains to increase sales while providing profitable returns to grower/vendor network.
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Communicate local and regional programs across the Robinson Fresh network for additional sales opportunities.
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Consistently provide education to all internal sales and account managers throughout the region.
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Be a positive role model for Robinson Fresh within the category in the broader industry.
Education:
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
