Director of Protein / Center of the Plate (COP)

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director of Protein / Center of the Plate (COP) to lead the development, procurement, and merchandising of our meat/COP category. This position will be responsible for shaping the direction of our protein offerings, ensuring the highest quality, consistency, and sustainability of meats, while driving sales and profitability.

As a key member of the merchandising and procurement team, the Director of Protein will develop, execute, and maintain our meat program, aligning it with market trends, customer demands, and company objectives. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the meat industry, excellent supplier negotiation skills, and a passion for innovation in the protein category.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meat Program Development:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive meat program across all categories (beef, pork, poultry, seafood, etc.), balancing quality, cost, and market trends.
• Innovate and drive new product development, focusing on customer demand, sustainability, and emerging trends in the protein space.
• Ensure the program aligns with company goals and delivers on key performance metrics, including profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Procurement & Supplier Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with domestic and international meat suppliers, negotiating contracts that deliver the best quality, price, and service.
• Source and secure sustainable, ethical, and high-quality protein products in line with industry standards and company expectations.
• Continuously review and assess suppliers to ensure compliance with company standards, including sustainability and animal welfare practices.
• Category Strategy & Merchandising:

• Collaborate with merchandising, sales, and marketing teams to create compelling and effective promotional strategies for protein products.
• Manage pricing strategies, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining margin goals.
• Monitor and analyze category performance, adjusting strategies to optimize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Market Research & Trend Analysis:

• Stay current with industry trends, emerging products, and competitor offerings in the meat/protein space.
• Conduct market research to identify consumer preferences and anticipate demand for new and existing products.
• Utilize data and insights to make informed decisions and recommendations for category growth.
• Inventory Management:

• Ensuring timely replenishment for all vendors
• Implementing inventory control measures
• Managing lot tracking to maintain product traceability and quality assurance
• Maintaining adequate stock levels to meet customer demand
• Collaborating with operations to efficiently manage inbound inventory
• Collaboration & Leadership:

• Manage team of Buyers to maintain favorable cost of goods and service levels
• Work with cross-functional teams in the execution of the meat program, working closely with purchasing, merchandising, operations, and marketing departments.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Partner with other category managers to align protein offerings with overall company strategies and goals.
• Establish strong culture that emphasizes protein sales at each center
• Supporting the sales department with relevant information and resources, with occasional attendance at regional sales meetings
• Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, food science, or a related field preferred.
• 10 years of experience in procurement, merchandising, or category management, with a focus on meat/protein products.
• Strong negotiation skills and a proven track record of supplier management and procurement strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of the meat industry, including sourcing, sustainability, and industry trends.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Passion for the food industry and a commitment to delivering high-quality products to customers.
• 10-20% travel required to other divisions for sales meetings, vendor events, etc.

Salary to commensurate with experience.

Ferraro Foods is an equal opportunity employer.