Director of Protein Center of Plate

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director Category Management Proteins / CenterofPlate to lead the development procurement and merchandising of our Fresh Proteins 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 you 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 highquality 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 uptodate 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 :

Ensure timely replenishment for all vendors.

Implement inventory control measures.

Manage lot tracking to maintain product traceability and quality assurance.

Maintain adequate stock levels to meet customer demand.

Collaborate with operations to efficiently manage inbound inventory.

Collaboration & Leadership :

Lead crossfunctional 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 resultsoriented work environment.

Partner with other category managers to align protein offerings with overall company strategies and goals.

Establish a strong culture that emphasizes protein sales at each center.

Support the sales department with relevant information and resources with occasional attendance at regional sales meetings.

Qualifications :

Bachelors 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.

Indepth 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 highquality products to customers.

1020% travel required to other centers sales meetings vendor events etc.

Key Skills

Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full Time

Vacancy : 1