Category Manager Jobs

Category Manager- Asparagus

Competitive Salary and Package

Florida

Our client is an importer, marketer, and distributer of fresh fruits and vegetables to the largest and finest grocery retail stores across the US. Due to growth, they are now in need of a Category Manager to build and manage their Asparagus commodity channel. As Category Manager, you will be responsible for achieving annual sales goals and identifying new market opportunities, as well as creating and maintaining a strategic customer base; and developing and maintaining good customer relationships.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain rapport with growers, shippers, and other vendors
• Support company growth in sales and procurement initiatives
• Build and curate a brand-aligned assortment including SKU mix, design and seasonality
• Ensure consistent quality and on-time delivery
• Source innovative new products, ideas and promotions
• Daily contact with customers of various sizes, building relationships, problem solving and assessing their needs
• Full responsibility for the Asparagus category
• Negotiate direct vendor contracts
• Establish and manage retail prices and gross profit margins to meet sales and profit targets
• Provide day to day purchasing and operational support to the warehouse and operations team
• Ongoing data analysis & category reviews
• Maintain awareness of competitive assortments, pricing, and promotions
• Build and maintain strong vendor partnerships, working with them to develop sales and promotional plans to meet category goals
• Work closely with the produce buying team to manage inventory turns and SKU efficiencies
• Collaborate with marketing, product development, produce procurement, and operations on category communication, forecasting and category development

Requirements:

• Ability to multi-task and work on a variety of projects at the same time
• Team-oriented and demonstrated excellence in direct and cross functional leadership
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in business preferred.
• 5 years’+ experience working in fresh produce sales, vegetables is desired, with a strong understanding of market trends
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, both individually and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Excel
• Knowledge of produce varieties, organic growing practices, quality standards, etc.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Please do not hesitate to apply if you feel you have the experience and background described, or contact Clear Edge for further information on 00 44 113 521 3353.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Clear Edge we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our business.

We understand the importance of creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported, regardless of their background, gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Our approach to DE&I is integrated into all aspects of our service delivery too. Our consultants all complete DE&I training, ensuring an inclusive approach to working with clients and candidates.