Category Specialist

Responsibilities

• Execute category management and other initiatives within assigned categories
• Responsible for category success and overall support by promoting assigned categories
• Manage and review category equities, sales and GP results of market cost price changes to support pricing
• Communicating regularly with suppliers, brokers, sales team and marketing regarding product issues and price changes
• Manage local and regional supplier and broker relationships
• Provide input, support and guidance to sales
• Facilitate sales training for new hires as required
• Participation in bi-monthly sales meeting coordination on specific category lines
• Negotiate/secure supplier; funded customer deviated pricing and rebate programs
• Support inventory depletion process within the last 90 days by identifying items to be discontinued and assisting in supplier negotiations to return products
• Maintain weekly inventory fill ratio of 99.75%
• Drive results on focus categories and support promotional activities and food show events
• New item and vendor creation
• Gathering vital date sensitive information from brokers or suppliers
• Drive increase on in-house Sofo Foods Brand sales
• Collaborate with the sales team on product samples/demos, proof of concept and business justification in a pre-sales capacity to ensure proposition is clearly understood
• Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends and how those trends are reflected in the product and services

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Business, Economics or Marketing focus preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience of 3 + years' working within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment
• Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue
• Capability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written & verbal communications skills
• Effective strategic and project management planning
• Strong supplier negotiation skills and ability to form a professional working relationship with suppliers and brokers
• Ability to understand, follow, and create processes in order to complete projects
• Excellent time-management, administration and organization skills with an apt for attention to detail
• Ability to exhibit judgment to handle confidential information and challenging business situations
• Experience with innovation processes, product development, marketing strategy – an advantage
• Experience leading or conducting meetings and presentations
• Intermediate computer skills but must possess strong excel skills with the ability to develop, create, and maintain advanced spreadsheets and databases.