Category Manager

J&C Tropicals, a well-established and growing national tropical produce distributor is searching for a Category Manager to oversee all aspects of a product category’s purchasing function. The CM manages scheduling, forecasting, materials planning, and procurement of assigned product category’s inventory to maintain budgeted inventory turns and fill rates and to reduce costs and improve quality.  Responsible for P&L results by maximizing profits and efficiency of assigned product categories while decreasing costs in a competitive ever-changing market. Maintains relationship with vendors or suppliers and negotiates contracts for major purchases of assigned categories. Grows existing vendor relationships and develops long-range growth strategies. Develops annual budgets and monitors performance. Evaluates and analyzes purchasing trend and price trend to identify forecasting demand and minimize purchasing costs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES include the following: (Others duties may be assigned)

Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop long-term strategies for assigned categories that promote the company’s brand and its 5 differentiators (quality, consistency, variety, Innovation, education)
• Provide overall sourcing direction for assigned categories by analyzing business objectives and customer needs
• Develop product and quality strategies for assigned categories
• Achieve or exceed short term and long-term unit and profitability goals
• Revise and mitigate inventory management decisions that impact quantity, quality, or cost.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, such as weather events, crop failures, and transportation delays.

Business Development: 

• Responsible for identifying, developing and maintaining direct grower relationships in higher quality, lower cost areas for long-term sourcing as it regards assigned categories
• Responsible for the planning and supply strategy for assigned categories
• Understand the growth cycle of assigned categories
• Develop annual crop projections of assigned categories by geographic region and potential supplier shift based on grower capability and sourcing opportunities
• Provide constant visibility to growers to assist in immediate needs and help direct questions to get timely solutions
• Assess and develop supplier production, distribution & technological capabilities to ensure adequate supply
• Identify, develop and maintain grower relationships that meet J&C’s financial, ethical and sustainable standards
• Source and negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure the procurement of high-quality produce at competitive prices.
• Monitor market trends, supply availability, and pricing fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions.

Analysis & Budgeting:

• Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
• Generate and understand reports related to purchase orders, liquidations, inventory, logistics, production and purchase order financing of assigned categories
• Preparation and timely submittal of budgets and forecasts of assigned categories
• Preparation of project sourcing related cash flow regarding vendor advancement and settlements
• Forecast demand for produce items based on historical data, market trends, and seasonal variations.
• Optimize inventory levels to minimize carrying costs while ensuring adequate stock to meet customer demand.
• Analyze vendor Performance

Development: 

• Responsible for contributing to and maintaining the company as a “Great Place to Work.”
• Lead by example with Company Core Values

Liase with Other Departments: 

• Communicate and report vital information related to availability, quality, production, and logistics of assigned categories to the sales and operations teams

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Relevant BS degree regarding produce sourcing/logistics/agronomy/agricultural science, MS preferred.

Experience: 

• 7-10 years of experience in sourcing produce
• Experience in strategic planning and category development
• Strong knowledge and experience in food/agricultural industries, international trade and sourcing
• Strong knowledge of import/export processes/regulatory considerations.

• Ability to play a lead role in company branding strategies
• Proven people skills (motivate, attract and retain talent)
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to lead and/or take part in client presentations
• Analytical and research-minded in sourcing/logistics approach
• Open-minded, innovative and forward thinking.
• Ability to travel internationally (50% of the time when required)
• Ability to Negotiate terms and conditions

• Excellent communication skills at all levels to include written, verbal and presentation skills in both English and Spanish.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily.  Although no job profile can adequately detail the full scope of duties necessary, the requirements listed above are a representation of the levels of knowledge, skill, ability and/or behavior required.  Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform these activities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the job incumbent.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and behaviors required to perform the job.

Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.