CATEGORY MANAGER, COSFF

JOB SUMMARY

The Category Manager is responsible for Sales optimization & Inventory cap compliance. Support is directed to the following distribution channels - Food Service, Wholesale, Retail and Club. A competitive commercial understanding is critical to vendor selection & management. Effective vendor management will deliver competitive pricing, product marketing, and adequate inventory levels for effective channel distribution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Align with Channel leads to calculate forecasts & understand demand trends
• Manage/track budget/forecast/Inventory cap compliance
• Research and analyze data defining market indicators
• Search & define category trends, align with the commercial team to determine consumer impact insights
• Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product/items
• Work with Sales Dept to Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors
• Place appropriate orders, manage inventory cap requirements
• Ensure product availability within the scope of sales forecasts and Cap compliance
• Collaborate with other departments such as Marketing, Quality, Logistics
• Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing & promotional activities
• Work w/Channels/customers - find new ways to expand product distribution

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proven experience as a Category Manager
• Sold knowledge of category management, marketing, and sales principles
• Understand data analysis and forecasting methods
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with a proven ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, and customers.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of company products and logistics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience as a supervisor, manager, or similar relevant position required.
• Computer Skills
• Ability to use industry-specific technology, such as logistics and supply chain, enterprise resource planning (ERP). Intermediate to advance knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Language Skills
• No foreign languages required. Knowledge of Spanish, Bahasa, Chinese or Thai preferred but not required.
• Mathematical Skills
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest and commissions.
• Reasoning Ability
• Ability to solve practical and complex problems and effectively handle a variety of possibilities and/or situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, communicate, usually through talking, hearing, writing and typing. Employee should be able to operate standard office equipment, i.e., telephones, computers, facsimile and copier. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, and move or lift up-to 15 lbs. The employee regularly works in a well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with a moderate degree of noise. There will be prolonged periods sitting at a desk, working on a computer.