BASIC FUNCTION: Manage the customer relations, purchasing, and financial management functions related to assigned product category in order to achieve maximum profits and customer satisfaction. Coordinate the buying, selling, and merchandising efforts of the vendor and distributor. Interfaces with customers, vendors, management, warehouse personnel, and the Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Transportation, Information Services, Inbound Freight Traffic personnel, Vice President, Sr. Category Manager, Director of Purchasing and other Purchasing personnel. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage assigned product category portfolio, trade agreements and best COGS, along with Inventory forward buys for optimum gross margins and pricing competitiveness.
Manage and analyze assigned category, accountable for Category sales growth and YOY performance. Category performance includes all areas of growth objectives. Analyze and position category portfolio for maximizing ROI, brand(s) assortment, price levels, merchandising promotions, and overall profitability within assigned category.
Category Manager lead communicator and marketer with Sales, Marketing and/or customer(s). Market trends etc.
Conduct vendor meetings, business reviews, create valued relationships, lead product reviews and assessment of market opportunities.
Negotiate local promotions allowances, local trade agreements and additional deals as requested. i.e., Buying Conferences etc.
Review and assess vendor performance reports, identify issues, and provide recommendations to Vice President of Purchasing.
Monitor over-committed and urgent items. Increase inventory turns upon reaching full truckloads. Resolve slow moving and dead inventory issues. Consolidate low volume, slow turning items and vendors.
Set up vendor bill backs with Vice President, Purchasing. Review monthly reports. Work with Accounts Payable to ensure that vendor bill backs are promptly billed and deducted.
Assist accounting with invoicing customers for storage and finance charges on excess inventory.
Communicate issues and solutions to Area Managers, customers, branch multi-unit account personnel, and receiving and shipping personnel. Act as key purchasing contact for Multi-Unit Account Managers and Executives. Act as key purchasing department contact for customers.
Manage product quality issues such as recalls, etc. Monitor product expiration dates and ensure proper disposal of out-of-date products.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS-REQUIRED:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
4-6 years foodservice distribution and purchasing experience.
QUALIFICATIONS-PREFERRED:
Bachelor's in business management, marketing, or related area
6-10+ years foodservice distribution and purchasing management experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This person will report to the Sr. Category Manager.