Category Manager

Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods is currently looking for a Category Manager 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.

This position is located at our El Segundo office. Compensation range is $100,000 - $110,000 DOE.

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.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Spanish, Bahasa, Chinese or Thai preferred, but not required.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest and commissions.
• Ability to solve practical and complex problems and effectively handle a variety of possibilities and/or situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, and move or lift up-to 15 lbs. The employee regularly works in a well-lit, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with a moderate degree of noise. There will be prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

The employee is required to comply with all company policies, rules and directives, including safe work practices.