Fresh Food Category Manager

Position Summary

The Fresh Food Category Manager is responsible for managing an assigned group of products and/or services. The role involves vendor management, pricing, merchandising, and marketing with the goal of optimizing sales and meeting revenue and gross profit budgets. This role is ideal for someone that loves food and has a culinary training.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and analyze internal and external data and market insights
• Search for insights into consumer needs and wants
• Source new and innovative products
• Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories
• Ensure product availability
• Maintain schematics for each assigned category to maximize sales and profit
• Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products
• Negotiate vendor contracts
• Build and maintain long-term relationship with vendors
• Visit sites regularly to get feedback from Operations Team
• Conduct competitive checks to ensure market alignment
• Any other projects assigned by the Director of Marketing
• In-depth Excel knowledge – experience working with large data sets and ability to slice and dice
• Presentation skills –ability to articulate in a persuasive and effective manner
• Communication and interpersonal skills – ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Management skills – includes the ability to manage time effectively and be focused on setting and executing objectives and priorities
• Attention to detail - commitment to excellence and high standards
• Problem solving skills – versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within changing priorities
• Team Player – ability and willingness to be a flexible and innovative team player with a roll-up-the-sleeves and hands on approach

Negotiating skills – out of the box thinking in vendor management