COP Category Manager

Primary And Responsibilities

• Align with SSMG teams to execute strategies
• Identify business development opportunities, coordinate with sales teams to propose new business
• Comply with SSMG standard assortment and on-going assortment related opportunities
• Analyze data and market insights to understand consumer needs and wants
• Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing
• Manage site specific market cost decisions on a weekly basis
• Communicate with corporate led beef replenishment teams about products and strategies
• Provide field feedback on strategies including advising on marketing materials to improve sales
• Coordinate new customer onboarding activities
• Address the needs and concerns of key TRS/CMU/LCC customer contacts within the Region
• Provide category sales training of Sales Consultants
• Communicate with Sales force including market conditions, product quality and availability, new items and applications
• Develop and monitor SOPs ensuring that pick locations are checked daily
• Maintain accountability with Operations leadership to ensure aging specifications are being adhered to on boxed beef assortment
• Work with inventory control to manage expiration dating through SWMS reports
• Work closely with Quality Assurance lead(s) and in conjunction with Operations and Transportation Management
• Establish and maintain accountability that all inbound product is inspected thoroughly
• Collaborate with QA and Product Support Advisors to ensure quality and integrity of all inbound and outbound Center of the Plate products
• Support region adherence to HAACP and other regulatory guidelines

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions required
• Master’s degree a plus
• 3+ years management/professional experience required (5+ years preferred)
• Significant produce industry experience, sales, merchandising and/or operations experience within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment preferred
• Strong written & verbal communications skills required
• Strong excel skills preferred
• Ability to manage & implement innovative strategies to maximize sales & gross profit potential while driving customer loyalty & MA engagement

Skills

• Ability to build high performing teams and enable best practice sharing and support culture
• Ability to motivate high-performing teams & enable a culture of best practices
• Ability to manage & resolve conflict with facts and dialogue
• Ability to work cross functionally and build relationships across the organization/enterprise
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of different backgrounds
• Collaborative change leader who uses multiple influencing styles to drive change
• Analytical thinker who can draw sound business conclusions based on a strong fact base
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment