Category Manager

Position: Category Manager

Job Summary: This position reports directly to the Director of Purchasing

· With assigned Suppliers/Categories takes ownership in Supplier Negotiations to provide right quality of Products at the Right Price to support profitable Sales growth.

· Works in concert with Sales Team and Marketing to understand local Market needs along with being expert within assigned categories.

· Manages their Buyers to make sure they have the correct inventory on hand and works with Buyers to reduce/eliminate dead stock.

Essential Functions:

· Responsible for negotiating with assigned Suppliers Cost of Goods, Pick Up Allowances, Cash Discount Terms, Marketing support and Local rebate income.

· Works in concert with Sales to support case/pounds growth with products to drive best Gross Profit Opportunities, participates in Sales Training and Education, lead Private Brand Strategy and support annual Marketing plan.

· Partners with Buyers on inventory management and negotiating Right Cost of Goods.

· Partners with Buyers and Sales team to move out dead stock on the items they manage.

· Partners with Director to determine inside pad to support margin income annual/quarterly targets.

· Develops working relationship with Buying Group (UniPro) to determine which programs support Companies annual Sales and Profitability goals.

· Develops and Communicates current and potential future Market Conditions that can affect cost of goods and supply.

· Responsible for sourcing new and alternate products within category. If needed, present alternate products to sales for review and approval.

· Communicates product shortages and Market Conditions that impact current and future service level issues.

· Negotiates Local Marketing Programs - determines vendor selection and participation based on profit models. Helps identify supplier participation in annual Food Show and local product training (if needed).

· Additional duties may arise, as needed, to support the business.

Key Internal/External Departments:

· Works with and supports Sales Team as category expert to grow profitable sales, understand local Market conditions.

o Understand pricing strategy based on quality of products.

o Makes product suggestions to optimize sales and profitability.

· Works with Leadership to obtain annual Back Haul or 3Pl income objectives by negotiating lower Net Cost and or Supplier funded Pick Up Allowances.

· Works with Buying Team to manage supplier pricing.

· Develops and continues to improve supplier relationships and determine future approved suppliers.

Job Requirements:

· Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience with a minimum of Eight (8) years foodservice experience in areas of purchasing, negotiations and or category management.

· Foodservice distributor or Foodservice Supplier experience preferred.

· High degree of familiarity with specified category industry sales techniques for Foodservice distribution.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Strong Financial background to support and plan annual income budgets.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Category management: 8 years (Required)
• Purchasing: 6 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000