What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Manager - Produce position at Central Market?
Overview
Central Market is a celebrated food-lover’s destination that sparks new food adventures with every visit. From the day our doors opened in Austin, Texas in 1994, our stores have been a gathering place where friends and families discover a new world of tastes together. Our buyers and experts traverse the globe, relentlessly in search of the freshest, finest ingredients to surprise and delight every palate with innovative products and discoveries. Our relationships with farmers, ranchers, and makers help bring us a product selection you can’t find anywhere else, and we proudly foster an inclusive celebration of cultures, diverse foodways, and treasured traditions alongside our Partners every chance we get. There’s a reason our stores are the talk of Texas!
Job Description
At Central Market, food is our passion. As a Business Development Manager for the Produce Department you’ll be responsible for sourcing, developing and curating an extraordinary assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world. You will also be able to impact the shopping experience as the regional merchant responsible for merchandising and profitability programs.
Food is our passion, and we hope it’s yours too!
Key Responsibilities:
Product Sourcing
Ability to source unique products from suppliers domestically and from around the world
Manage supplier performance and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Expertise in import regulations, logistics, and international sourcing to optimize product procurement and ensure compliance.
Product Expertise: Selection and Merchandising
Using your passion for food and expertise in produce, curate an exceptional assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs that reflect both local and international standards of excellence.
Develop and implement merchandising strategies that highlight the uniqueness and freshness of our offerings, while evoking the charm of a farmer’s market.
Product Development:
Lead the product development process, from ideation and sourcing to execution across multiple stores.
Collaborate with suppliers, and internal partners to launch innovative and scalable product offerings to discerning customers who shop Central Market for the ultimate epicurean experience.
Category Strategy Development:
Create and execute a strategic plan for the Produce category that aligns with our high-end sourcing philosophy and our unique Central Market shopping experience.
Stay ahead of market trends, customer preferences, and seasonal opportunities to drive category growth and innovation. At Central Market, we pride ourselves in being the first to market with exceptional product assortment– our BDM Category Managers aim to source, develop and curate unique assortment that our customers can’t find anywhere else.
Sourcing and Supplier Management:
Identify and establish relationships with top-tier suppliers to source the finest product.
Continuously sourcing new suppliers to partner with to support unique product offerings.
Manage supplier performance and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Collaborate with Operations Team:
As the regional merchant you provide complete execution guidance and maintain collaborative partnerships with the store operations teams, staying aware of operational processes, challenges, customer feedback, and other factors that impact the support needed from store teams.
Inspire and influence store and operations teams by sharing your expertise and passion for products. Provide training, product knowledge, and sales strategies to instill confidence and excitement about items, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
Responsible for product training.
Customer Experience Enhancement:
Create an inviting and educational shopping experience that enhances customers’ lives through a more fun and informed relationship with food.
Support the development of promotional campaigns and in-store displays that engage customers and showcase the premium nature of our product.
Innovation:
Promote sustainable sourcing practices and support initiatives that contribute to environmental and community well-being.
Stay abreast of industry innovations and incorporate cutting-edge practices into category management.
Ideate, plan, develop and execute industry leading innovations for all Central Market stores
P & L Responsibility
Responsible for sales, margin, and contribution at the department level.
Monitor category performance through sales data, market analysis, and partner and customer feedback.
Generate actionable insights to drive profitability, optimize assortment, and improve operational efficiency. Scorecard includes Sales, Gross Profit, Contribution, Innovation, Central Market Shopping Experience
Physical and Other Requirements:
Sit for an extended period of time
Travel by airplane or car with overnight stays
Work extended hours
If you have a passion for food and a desire to bring the best shopping experience to life, through curation and merchandising of exceptional produce, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
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