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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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…