Brief Role Description:
Responsible for driving profitable sales growth of the produce category 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 produce category.
PRIMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Category Strategy
Align with SMS Produce teams to execute strategies
Identify category development opportunities, coordinate with sales teams (leaders, specialists, sales consultants) to propose new business
Ensuring expected compliance and proper support of SMS Produce and Freshpoint.
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
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 CMU/LCC 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
Work cross-functionally with QA and Operations to generate PDN's - ensure accuracy, timely completion, and submission. Ensure resulting claims are tracked and settled appropriately
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 Category 11 products
Manage market adherence to GAP/GMP Compliance
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
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law. This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.