Category Director Prepared Foods

About the role

The Director of Boar’s Head Prepared Foods will lead the strategic development and expansion of a premium prepared food offering for retailers and grab-and-go concepts. Reporting to senior leadership, the role involves overseeing sales support services, marketing development, training, and internal and external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs all aspects of Boar’s Head Prepared Foods sales support services, marketing development, training, and internal & external relationships.
• Leads a team of 4 (3 direct reports) responsible for innovation, execution of elevated offers, proper mix and assortment, packaging, and merchandising.
• Refines the Category Management approach of a growing and changing business segment.
• Influences a 5-10 year product pipeline of future growth in collaboration with R&D.
• Represents, protects, and grows the Boar’s Head Brand across multiple retail formats and banners through execution of an industry-leading prepared food strategy.
• Analyzes market data and collaborates with multiple areas of the business to bring to life executable prepared food offerings and programs that strengthen the Boar’s Head brand.
• Organizes and schedules semi-annual product demonstrations and rollouts to the Boar’s Head sales organization.
• Safeguards and enhances customer relationships that differentiate Boar’s Head Experience from competitors.
• Sells a premium brand as a food solution by generating concrete value-added propositions to retail and foodservice prepared food customers.
• Develops and updates programs that demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement of Boar’s Head prepared food offerings and dedication to premium positioning within the industry.
• Maintains current and up-to-date on evolving food and culinary trends with a focus on global and domestic influences.
• Communicates effectively at all levels within the organization, particularly with purveyors, CBDM, prepared foods team, marketing, and the leadership team.
• Manages and prioritizes multiple projects, including coordinating off-site training sessions and communicating with on-site management and/or distributors.
• Presents at all levels and demonstrates above-average problem-solving abilities.
• Manages and prioritizes multiple projects, including coordinating off-site training sessions and communicating with on-site management and/or distributors.
• Manages and prioritizes multiple projects, including coordinating off-site training sessions and communicating with on-site management and/or distributors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years combined retail prepared foods category management and product development experience, with strong preference for candidates with brand development experience and working knowledge of product development from concept to commercialization.
• Culinary degree or background is a plus.
• Understanding of premium brand attributes related to prepared foods and foodservice.
• Successfully led a team of Manager-level direct reports within a CPG or retailer with robust private label development programs.
• Manufacturing expertise is a plus, and commercialization skills are required.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; competencies: email, cell phones, etc.
• Advanced organizational skills, including time/project management skills and the ability to prioritize projects based on business needs.
• Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects, including coordinating off-site training sessions and communicating with on-site management and/or distributors.
• Highly motivated self-starter with results orientation.
• Understands dynamics of commercial and non-commercial channels.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Outstanding project management skills.
• Strong background in food safety and quality assurance.
• Experience in managing projects from concept to execution.
• Collaborative and strategic thinker who values brand success over individual or department recognition.

Skills

• Advanced presentation skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functional areas.
• Experience working with product development chefs.
• Good business acumen.

Benefits

Delicatessen Services Co., LLC offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

$80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position, 40 hours per week.