Category Manager — Produce; Procurement

About Talpa Supermercados

Talpa Supermercados is a fast-growing grocery retailer committed to delivering fresh, high-quality products at competitive prices while providing exceptional service to our communities. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced Category Manager — Produce to lead sourcing, pricing, and performance of one of our most critical departments.

The Category Manager — Produce is responsible for the strategic sourcing, vendor management, pricing, and profitability of the Produce category across all store locations. This role drives sales growth, margin optimization, shrink reduction, and supply continuity while ensuring high-quality standards and competitive pricing.

This position partners closely with Store Operations, Distribution, Supply Chain, and Finance to align purchasing strategies with overall company objectives.

• Develop and execute the Produce category strategy aligned with revenue and margin targets
• Analyze sales trends, seasonality, shrink, and customer demand patterns
• Manage assortment planning and SKU optimization
• Lead promotional planning and seasonal programs

• Negotiate pricing, terms, rebates, and volume agreements
• Source domestic and international suppliers
• Maintain strong vendor relationships
• Evaluate vendor performance (quality, service levels, fill rates)

• Drive gross margin improvement
• Monitor cost of goods and pricing structures
• Partner with Finance on forecasting and budgeting
• Manage category P&L performance

• Develop inventory strategies to minimize spoilage
• Monitor warehouse and store shrink trends
  
  Collaborate with Distribution on freshness and logistics efficiency

• Partner with Operations on execution standards
• Support new store openings
• Assist in private label development (if applicable)
• Support food safety and quality compliance initiatives
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, CPFR, Quality, and Operations to align forecasting and replenishment

• Coach and mentor sourcing analysts or junior buyers
• Share best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across teams

• Up to 10% travel to stores, distribution centers, grower locations, and vendor meetings

• 5+ years of experience in grocery retail procurement (Produce strongly preferred)
• Experience negotiating with growers, distributors, or wholesalers
• Strong understanding of produce seasonality and pricing volatility
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills
• Ability to travel as needed
• Bilingual Spanish/English required

• Experience in Hispanic grocery or perishable retail environments
• Logistics or supply chain certifications (APICS, CPM, Six Sigma)
• Experience with warehouse management or routing systems

• Negotiation and vendor management
• Retail financial acumen
• Data-driven decision making
• Inventory and shrink control
• Cross-functional leadership
• Market awareness of commodity pricing trends

• High-impact role in a critical revenue-driving category
• Opportunity to influence company-wide strategy
• Collaborative, growth-oriented environment
• Expanding organization with advancement opportunities