COP Category Manager

Brief Role Description: * Responsible for driving profitable sales growth of the Center of the Plate categories, Beef, Pork, Poultry & Seafood within a region * Collaborates cross functionally (Sales, Supply Chain, Revenue Management) and across entities (Market, Corporate, Specialty) * Category expert that provides training, product information, regulatory guidance, and market cost guidance to internal and external customers in support of the center of the plate category. PRIMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Category Strategy * Align with SSMG teams to execute strategies * Identify business development opportunities, coordinate with sales teams (leaders, specialists, sales consultants) to propose new business * Compliance with SSMG standard assortment and on-going assortment related opportunities * Analyze data and market insights to understand consumer needs and wants * Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing * Manage site specific market cost decisions on a weekly basis * Collaborating with Regional Revenue Management Director and Regional VP of Merch, utilize available contract programs and resources to provide customer specific pricing for key Regional customers. * Communicating with corporate led beef replenishment teams about products and strategies * Provide field feedback on strategies including advising on marketing materials to improve sales * Provide planning team with forecasts for product demand trends * Coordinating new customer on boarding activities * Addressing the needs and concerns of key TRS/CMU/LCC customer contacts within the Region * Assortment Management * Providing product assortment and SKU rationalization recommendations that are aligned with your Region demand. * Ensure product availability * Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products * Category Training * Providing SC support through business reviews, customer insight encounters with targeted training and education. * Schedule and manage category sales training of Sales Consultants. * Provide timely and effective communication with Sales force including but not limited to market conditions, product quality and availability, new items and applications. * Product Quality/Quality control * Develop and monitor SOPs ensuring that pick locations are checked daily. * Collaborating with Operations and Food Safety teams * Maintain accountability with Operations leadership to ensure aging specifications are being adhered to on boxed beef assortment. * Works with inventory control to manage expiration dating through SWMS reports. * Mitigate Expense/Shrink * Works with inventory control to manage expiration dating through SWMS reports. * Works closely with Quality Assurance lead(s) and in conjunction with Operations and Transportation Management * Establish and maintain accountability that all inbound product is inspected thoroughly * Collaborate with QA and Product Support Advisors to ensure quality and integrity of all inbound and outbound Center of the Plate products * Support region adherence to HAACP and other regulatory guidelines Education/Experience: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions required. Master's degree a plus. * 3+ years management/professional experience required (5+ years preferred). Significant produce industry experience, sales, merchandising and/or operations experience within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment preferred. * Strong written & verbal communications skills required * Strong excel skills preferred * Ability to manage & implement innovative strategies to maximize sales & gross profit potential while driving customer loyalty & MA engagement Skills: * Ability to build high performing teams and enable best practice sharing and support culture * Ability to motivate high-performing teams & enable a culture of best practices * Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue * Ability to work cross functionally and build relationships across the organization/enterprise * Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of different backgrounds * Collaborative change leader who uses multiple influencing styles to drive change * Analytical thinker who can draw sound business conclusions based on a strong fact base * Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment