Category Manager

About the role

This Category Manager will work On-Site in Oakwood, GA. The role directly supervises a team of 4–5 buyers and requires a strong understanding of the buying function and food purchasing. Demonstrated leadership ability to coach, mentor, and train others is essential. The position supports the sales team by researching products, identifying new suppliers and purchasing possibilities, analyzing pricing, negotiating deals, and providing solutions that meet sales needs. A strong understanding of the vendor community is required; this role will conduct business reviews with vendors. A foodservice/food distribution background is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer relations, purchasing, and financial management functions for the assigned product category to achieve maximum profits and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate buying, selling, and merchandising efforts with vendors and distributors to deliver satisfied customers, profitable sales, and above-average in-stock percentages, inventory turns, and days accounts payable outstanding.
• Interface with customers, vendors, management, warehouse personnel, and Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Transportation, Information Services, Inbound Freight Traffic, Vice President of Purchasing, and other Purchasing personnel.
• Perform ongoing evaluation of product lines, programs, and pricing to identify opportunities to make changes or maximize current supplier relationships.
• Provide leadership to the purchasing team/buyers by giving direction, support, and guidance on service levels, out-of-stocks, expiration issues, aged inventory, EOQ, days on hand, and best buying practices.
• Conduct supplier meetings quarterly to discuss opportunities, new items or assortment changes, current performance metrics, programs, and any gaps.
• Act as sales support for a 150-plus 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.