Produce Category Manager

A well-established Produce Retailer is searching for a Produce Category Manager to join their team in Chicago. The Category Manager is responsible and accountable for the achievement of category sales, profit, market share, inventory control and cost objectives within their categories.

• Selects products and negotiates price and delivery terms, plans and schedules product purchases, to ensure optimal quality specifications, negotiates promotions to take advantage of market conditions and provide optimal opportunities for optimal cost efficiencies.
• Employs knowledge of industry and market conditions to assist in the preparation of forecasts and implements buying beneficial to savings and efficiencies.
• Recommend program changes, new procurement or market strategies, and product introductions.
• Regularly reviews market conditions to evaluate their effect on products and programs.
• Recommends the need for program changes, new procurement or market strategies, product introductions and discontinuation.
• Investigates alternative distribution and cost options to achieve savings.
• Initiates and oversees online bids for pricing component of category reviews.
• Develops a supplier base by evaluating current suppliers on a regular basis, and evaluating and recommending new suppliers to include domestic and international sources of supply as is.
• Develop and implement innovative, impactful produce marketing/promotional agendas.
• Overseas the creation of pre-books and procures product from vendors.
• Manages holiday recaps to plan future procurement needs.

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Administration or other related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years (minimum) produce procurement, buying or selling experience.
• Thorough knowledge of fresh produce buying and marketing experience with a broker, supplier, or buying organization, or previous experience in wholesale/retail produce areas
• Experience working with growers and/ or produce vendors in a variety of produce items.
• Fast paced, multitask environment with constant sense of urgency.
• Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with people at all levels, including member personnel.
• Proven ability to manage others, inspire confidence and interact with others at all levels.
• Able to interpret industry data and make business decisions based on the material, and to make perform basic math calculations on a regular basis.
• Ability to negotiate successfully in marketing buying situations. Familiarity with major produce sources, industry practices, quality levels, packaging and logistics. Ability to speak publicly and make presentations to groups of various sizes.
• Able and willing to travel as required.
• Public speaking/presentation skills desirable