Category Manager, Food Distribution

About This Role

Manage customer relations, purchasing, and financial functions for an assigned food product category to maximize profits and customer satisfaction within a food distribution system. Focus on coordinating buying, selling, and merchandising efforts to ensure profitable sales, high in-stock percentages, and efficient inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product lines, programs, and pricing to identify opportunities for changes or to maximize supplier relationships
• Provide leadership, direction, support, and guidance to the purchasing team/buyers on service levels, out-of-stocks, expiration issues, aged inventory, EOQ, days on hand, and best buying practices
• Conduct quarterly supplier meetings to discuss opportunities, new items, changes to current assortment, current numbers, programs, and address any existing gaps
• Act as sales support for the sales team by researching products, new suppliers, pricing, and negotiating deals to maintain competitiveness
• Take ownership of aged inventory and find timely solutions
• Collaborate with sales, finance, and marketing to identify key opportunities for sales growth

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience
• 4-6 years of foodservice distribution and purchasing experience

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience
• 4-6 years of foodservice distribution and purchasing experience

Benefits