Category Manager

About the role

J&C Tropicals, a well-established and growing national tropical produce distributor, is seeking a Category Manager to oversee all aspects of a product category's purchasing function.

Responsibilities

• Manage scheduling, forecasting, materials planning, and procurement of assigned product category's inventory to maintain budgeted inventory turns and fill rates and to reduce costs and improve quality.
• Maximize profits and efficiency of assigned product categories while decreasing costs in a competitive ever-changing market.
• Maintain relationship with vendors or suppliers and negotiate contracts for major purchases of assigned categories.
• Grow existing vendor relationships and develop long-range growth strategies.
• Develop annual budgets and monitor performance.
• Evaluate and analyze purchasing trends and price trends to identify forecasting demand and minimize purchasing costs.

Qualifications

• A relevant BS degree regarding produce sourcing/logistics/agronomy/agricultural science, MS preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in sourcing produce.
• Strong knowledge and experience in food/agricultural industries, international trade and sourcing.
• Strong knowledge of import/export processes/regulatory considerations.
• Ability to play a lead role in company branding strategies.
• Prominent people skills (motivate, attract and retain talent).
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to lead and/or take part in client presentations.
• Analytical and research-minded in sourcing/logistics approach.
• Open-minded, innovative and forward thinking.
• Ability to travel internationally (50% of the time when required).
• Ability to negotiate terms and conditions.