We are seeking a dynamic Category Manager to oversee the strategic direction and growth of our product categories. The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing category plans, managing vendor relationships, and driving sales and profitability within the assigned categories.
You will be managing customer relations, purchasing, and financial management for the assigned product category to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. Coordinate buying, selling, and merchandising efforts with vendors and distributors, ensuring customer satisfaction, profitable sales, and above-average in-stock percentages, inventory turns, and days accounts payable outstanding. Collaborate with customers, vendors, management, warehouse personnel, and departments and Purchasing. Function as a team member within the department and organization, performing any duty assigned to best serve the company.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop sub-category strategies and manage project pipelines.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels and monitor urgent items.
- Increase inventory turns and resolve slow-moving inventory issues.
- Supervise and mentor purchasing team members.
- Consolidate low-volume, slow-turning items and vendors.
- Review and address over-committed items, buyer’s outs, stock adjustments, and discrepancies.
- Provide expertise and support throughout the procurement cycle.
- Lead negotiations and manage supplier performance.
- Review specifications, analyze markets, select suppliers, and lead the RFx process.
- Conduct spend analysis and market benchmarking.
- Create content for monthly procurement reviews.
- Build relationships with departments, partners, and suppliers.
- Negotiate buy brackets, freight rates, cash discounts, terms, and earned income.
- Ensure costing and pricing accuracy, addressing discrepancies and audits.
- Process vendor returns and manage bill backs.
- Collaborate with Accounts Payable for prompt billing and deductions.
- Assist with invoicing for storage and finance charges.
- Communicate solutions to managers, customers, and personnel.
- Act as the primary purchasing contact for account managers and customers.
- Manage product quality issues and monitor expiration dates.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What You'll Need:
- High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience.
- BA or BS prefered
- 3+yrs in a supervisor role with direct reports.
- 4-6 years of experience in foodservice distribution and purchasing.
- Proven ability to create category and negotiation strategies.
- Strong negotiation and contracting skills.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- Purchasing: 3 years (Required)
- Management: 3 years (Required)
Location:
Work Location: In person