Category Operations Manager Produce - Area

Responsibilities Own implementation plan for Area produce category and operational strategies customized for multiple Distribution Centers. Review assigned Area product assortment and gauge product penetration, noting slow or dead products as well as growth opportunities; responsible for profitable sales growth within assigned categories for their Area. Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple DCs in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners; report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors; finalize Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs; ensure weekly produce communication with the sales team and implementation of produce strategy with leadership. Facilitate product training and new product introductions with DSS, Specialists and sales staff; ensure product/brand message is in alignment with overall USF strategy. Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and work closely with the Region team on any national or regional vendor issues; support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer onboarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy. Work with QAs, replenishment and logistics to maintain quality, on‑time delivery and service levels through good communication and produce operations; manage local fill‑in vendors and assure customer satisfaction; track critical inbound product and resolve local issues as they arise. Support and execute the implementation of US Foods produce category strategy across the defined Area; recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs within the area; work with Area sales leaders, specialists and other customer support roles to drive key account development; owned produce assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of produce goals for all markets within that Area. Supervision Area and Market Quality Assurance Coordinators and Supervisors Qualifications Four‑year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required. Minimum 7 years category management experience required; project management experience preferred; experience in the Food Service or Food Manufacturing industries strongly preferred. Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups; must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact‑based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy‑in and improvement in category performance; self‑directed, highly motivated, with strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint required. Compensation $65,000 - $100,000 Equal Opportunity Statement EOE– Race/Color/Religion/Sex/SexualOrientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/ Age/Genetic Information /Protected Veteran/Disability Status #J-18808-Ljbffr US Foods