Director of Category Management, Produce

About the role

The Director of Produce will lead the strategy, procurement, merchandising, and growth of Ferraro Foods' fresh produce category. This role will shape the produce program across fruits, vegetables, organic, and seasonal offerings while ensuring quality, consistency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategy and direction of the produce category across the organization
• Develop and manage category plans that balance quality, profitability, customer demand, and market trends
• Build and maintain strong relationships with produce growers, suppliers, and distributors
• Negotiate contracts, pricing programs, and supplier agreements to support company objectives
• Drive new product development and category innovation based on customer demand and industry trends
• Collaborate with Sales, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to develop programs that increase produce sales and customer penetration
• Develop pricing strategies that maintain competitive positioning while protecting margin objectives
• Monitor category performance and analyze sales, margin, and market data to identify growth opportunities
• Conduct market research on industry trends, consumer preferences, seasonality, and competitive activity
• Partner with Operations to ensure inventory availability, product quality, traceability, and efficient supply chain execution
• Present category strategies, market insights, and performance results to executive leadership
• Support sales teams through category expertise, product education, and participation in customer and regional sales meetings
• Lead supplier onboarding, sourcing initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across the produce category

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Food Science, or a related field preferred
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, merchandising, or category management with a focus on fresh produce
• Experience within foodservice distribution strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of produce sourcing, seasonality, market trends, and supplier networks
• Strong negotiation skills and demonstrated success managing supplier relationships
• Experience developing merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies that drive category growth
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience presenting business results and recommendations to executive leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with Tableau or similar business intelligence and reporting tools preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel approximately 10–20% as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel approximately 10–20% as needed

Skills

• Strong negotiation skills and demonstrated success managing supplier relationships
• Experience developing merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies that drive category growth
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience presenting business results and recommendations to executive leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with Tableau or similar business intelligence and reporting tools preferred

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• additional voluntary benefits

Pay

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Monday – Friday | Standard Business Hours

Work Location

Onsite | Piscataway, NJ

Travel

Approximately 10–20%