Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Juices and Agricultural Ingredients

About Refresco

Refresco is a leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving a broad range of national and international retailers and brands. Products are distributed worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia.

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 while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
• Continuously monitor 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 for 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‑saving opportunities throughout the raw‑material supply chain.
• Report to the Director, Procurement – North America.

• 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 detail, change and factors influencing change.
• Assertiveness – able to defend a point of view and confront others appropriately when necessary.
• Self‑Motivation / Time Management – able to determine and prioritize tasks with minimal direction.
• Negotiation Skill – skilled in negotiating, effective in utilizing analysis and creative solutions to extract the greatest value for the company.
• Software Skill – Microsoft Excel proficiency mandatory, with adeptness in PowerPoint, Word; SAP knowledge a plus.
• Written Communication – a good writer; expresses ideas clearly, composes concise, simplified written descriptions of complex issues with detailed analysis.

• Based in Bentonville, AR, Tampa, FL, Columbus, GA, or Dunkirk, NY.
• Ability to travel 10–25% for quarterly visits if required.
• Physical – continuous sitting for prolonged periods using a computer.
• Visual/Sensory – requires attention to detail, often with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment – fast‑paced, requiring focus under pressure and concentration amid changing stimuli.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer.