Category Manager, Juice

Overview

Join to apply for the Category Manager, Juice role at Refresco
. Refresco is a leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving national and international retailers and brands worldwide.

The Category Manager for Juices will strategically source, purchase and manage the supply of raw materials, ensuring quality, service, cost, terms and conditions are optimized to give Refresco a commercial advantage. The role coordinates activities to meet company quality standards, focuses on continuous improvement, and supports the company's strategy.

• Identify and select strategic suppliers to procure juice concentrates while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
• Continuously monitor fruit and vegetable markets and crop seasonality to react quickly to unexpected conditions.
• Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers (Sales, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Procurement Finance).
• Provide regular commodity updates to the sales team.
• Develop sourcing plans for assigned juice sub‑categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers and meet internal customer requirements.
• Review, negotiate, and execute contractual arrangements per Refresco policy and business objectives.
• Manage new project launches and source new juice concentrates as required.
• Track and monitor consumption & demand to ensure adequate volumes are contracted to meet production demands.
• Prepare annual budget for appropriate commodities.
• Generate cost savings opportunities throughout the raw material supply chain.
• Perform tactical procurement activity to meet routine business needs.
• Report to the Director, Procurement – North America.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Operations or related field.
• Five (5) years of procurement experience preferably in food/beverage manufacturing.

Position‑specific skills:

• Creative Thinking – generate new ideas and approaches.
• Strategic Thinking – grasp the big picture and think long‑term.
• Attention to Detail – highly attentive to details and changes.
• Recognition of Opportunity – identify and act on new opportunities.
• Assertiveness – defend a point of view and confront others appropriately.
• Comfort with Risk – take calculated risks and innovate.
• Organizational Priority – make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
• Decisiveness – decide even in ambiguous situations.
• Self‑Motivation/Time Management – prioritize tasks with minimal direction.
• Negotiation Skill – use tactics and analysis to extract value.
• Software Skill – Microsoft Excel mandatory; proficiency in PowerPoint, Word; SAP knowledge a plus.
• Written Communication – concise, clear writing and analysis.
• Cross Cultural – interact effectively with diverse cultures.

• Corporate office environment.
• Based in Bentonville, AR;
  Tampa, FL;
  Columbus, GA; or Dunkirk, NY.
• Ability to travel 10‑25% for quarterly visits.
• Continuous sitting at a computer; visual attention required.
• Fast‑paced work environment requiring focus under pressure.

• Medical/dental/vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Well‑being benefits.
• Discount programs.