Produce & Floral Category Manager

About the role

Lead Category Strategy
Develop and execute Produce and Floral category strategies to achieve sales, gross margin, shrink, and profitability goals.
Manage all Produce and Floral categories, including fruits and vegetables, packaged salads, fresh-cut produce, floral, and seasonal programs.
Monitor industry trends, seasonality, commodity markets, and customer preferences to optimize category performance.

Responsibilities

• Drive Merchandising & Promotions
  Lead assortment planning, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and merchandising initiatives.
  Partner with Marketing to execute seasonal promotions, product launches, and advertising campaigns.
  Identify opportunities for new products, category growth, and customer engagement.
• Manage Vendor & Distribution Relationships
  Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, vendors, brokers, and supplier partners.
  Negotiate costs, promotional support, quality standards, and supply agreements.
  Collaborate with distribution partners to ensure product availability, service levels, and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure Quality & Operational Excellence
  Maintain the highest standards of freshness, quality, presentation, and food safety across all store locations.
  Develop merchandising standards, operational procedures, and category guidelines.
  Conduct regular store visits to evaluate product quality, inventory levels, department conditions, and execution.
• Analyze Performance
  Analyze sales trends, inventory movement, shrink, and category profitability to identify opportunities and improve results.
  Prepare budgets, forecasts, financial reports, and performance analyses.
  Support new store openings, remodels, and department enhancement initiatives.

Requirements

Experience & Knowledge
Minimum 2 years of experience in Produce procurement, category management, buying, merchandising, or retail grocery operations.
Retail grocery experience required.
Multi-unit retail experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of Produce merchandising, seasonality, commodity markets, and retail food trends.
Understanding of food safety regulations and industry best practices.

Qualifications

Leadership & Business Skills
Proven experience managing category financial performance, including sales, margins, shrink, and profitability.
Strong vendor negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
Experience with inventory management, forecasting, and distribution partnerships.
Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail reporting systems.

Skills

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during store visits.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel regularly between store locations.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.
Ability to attend industry conferences and trade shows as needed.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in-store discounts

Pay

$80,000-$100,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

Schedule

N/A