Category Director of Produce

This range is provided by Ferraro Foods. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $130,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Director – Produce to lead the development, procurement, and merchandising of our fresh produce category. This role is responsible for shaping the direction of our produce offerings while ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, sustainability, and profitability. As a key member of the merchandising and procurement team, the Category Director will develop, execute, and maintain a comprehensive produce program aligned with market trends, customer demand, and company objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep produce industry expertise, strong supplier negotiation skills, and a passion for innovation within the fresh produce space. Key Responsibilities Produce Program Development Develop and manage a comprehensive produce program across all categories, including fruits, vegetables, organic, and seasonal offerings Drive innovation and new product development aligned with customer demand, sustainability initiatives, and emerging industry trends Ensure alignment with company goals and achievement of key performance metrics related to profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction Establish and maintain strong relationships with produce suppliers and negotiate contracts to deliver optimal quality, pricing, and service Source sustainable, ethical, and high‑quality produce in accordance with industry standards and company expectations Evaluate supplier performance and ensure compliance with quality, sustainability, and environmental standards Category Strategy & Merchandising Partner with merchandising, sales, and marketing teams to develop effective promotional and go‑to‑market strategies Lead pricing strategy development to ensure competitiveness while maintaining margin objectives Monitor and analyze category performance, adjusting strategies to optimize sales growth and profitability Market Research & Trend Analysis Stay current on produce industry trends, emerging products, and competitive activity Conduct market and consumer research to anticipate demand and identify growth opportunities Leverage data and insights to support strategic category decisions Inventory Management Ensure timely replenishment across all vendors Implement effective inventory control and lot‑tracking processes to support traceability and quality assurance Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer demand Collaborate with operations to manage inbound inventory efficiently Lead cross‑functional collaboration across purchasing, merchandising, operations, sales, and marketing Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a collaborative and results‑driven culture Partner with other category leaders to align produce initiatives with broader company strategies Promote a strong, sales‑focused culture for produce across all centers Support the sales organization with product insights and resources, including occasional attendance at regional sales meetings Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Food Science, or a related field preferred 10+ years of experience in procurement, merchandising, or category management with a strong focus on fresh produce Proven success in supplier negotiations and procurement strategy development In‑depth knowledge of produce sourcing, sustainability practices, and market trends Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed decisions Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills Passion for the food industry and commitment to delivering high‑quality products Willingness to travel approximately 10–20% for meetings, vendor visits, and events Ferraro Foods is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ferraro Foods