Category Manager, Juice at Refresco Tampa, FL

Position Description

The Category Manager for Juices will strategically source, purchase and manage the supply of raw materials through a carefully evaluated, competent supply base, ensuring that quality, service, cost, terms and conditions are optimized to provide Refresco with a commercial advantage. This role will coordinate the activities required to meet the company quality standards and focus on continuous improvement while contributing to the company’s strategy and demonstrating the company values and behaviors.

• Identify and select strategic suppliers to procure juice concentrates from while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
• Continuous monitoring of fruit and vegetable markets and crop seasonality to react quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected market 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 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 the implementation of contractual arrangements per Refresco policy and business objectives.
• Manage new project launches and source new juice concentrates as required.
• Track and monitor consumption and 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.
• This position will report to the Director, Procurement – North America.

Education & Experience:

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

Position-specific skills:

• Creative Thinking: able to think creatively, generating new ideas and approaches to situations.
• Strategic Thinking: able to grasp the big picture and think long‑term.
• Attention to Detail: highly attentive to details, changes and what factors influence change.
• Recognition of Opportunity: recognizes new opportunities and acts to take advantage of them.
• Assertiveness: able to defend a point of view and to confront others appropriately when necessary; unafraid to take controversial positions and challenge the conventional wisdom or status quo.
• Comfort with risk: takes risks when appropriate, isn’t afraid to innovate and experiment.
• Organizational Priority: able to make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Decisiveness: able to make decisions even in ambiguous situations and without full information.
• Self‑Motivation/Time Management: able to determine and prioritize tasks with minimal direction.
• Negotiation Skill: skilled in negotiating tactics, effective in utilizing analysis and creative solutions to extract the greatest value for the company.
• Software Skill:
  Microsoft Excel proficiency is mandatory, as well as adeptness in PowerPoint and Word. SAP knowledge a plus.
• Written Communication: a good writer; expresses ideas and positions clearly. Ability to compose concise, simplified written descriptions of complex issues, supported by detailed analysis.
• Cross Cultural:
  Able to interact effectively with people of different cultures and backgrounds.

• Corporate Office Environment
• Based in Bentonville, AR, Tampa, FL, Columbus, GA, or Dunkirk, NY
• Ability to travel 10-25% for quarterly visits if required
• Physical – Continuously sitting for prolonged periods using a computer.
• Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment – Work and environment are fast‑paced, requiring the ability to remain focused under pressure. Attention must be concentrated in the face of numerous changing stimuli.

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:

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

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.