Job Description

The Category Manager is responsible for managing internal commercial category management activities (customer relationship development, contracting, pricing, market information, data process inputs) on an assigned book of business in addition to direct customer development and management. The individual will work cross-functionally with outside sales partners, other key internal departments and provide support to the customer base. Ability to perform in a fast-paced, transaction-rich environment while delivering exceptional customer service is critical. This position includes direct and co-assigned managed accounts, some travel to these accounts, shows and visits to plants will be required. This role may also be combined with other responsibilities as directed by the Business Director. The Category Manager will:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Promote enhancement of customer relationships and instill service culture. Book of Business responsibilities will include management of some of the business unit’s strategic direct and co-assigned accounts. Develop and maintain customer development plans.
2. Provide transactional and consultative support to established Book of Business via daily quote, forward contracting, pricing, market management, RFP/RFP responses and customer/category project needs. Manage bookings and timely applications.
3. Actively pursue new business opportunities to drive additional volume and gross profit.
4. Perform regular pricing structure analysis in response to RFP requests, competitive opportunities & threats, changing cost metrics, and margin reviews to achieve goals and results. Follow management guidelines and provide input to pricing strategies. Provide some guidance to other colleagues in the department in similar activities.
5. Conduct trend analysis by category to support growth.
6. Possess good understanding of relevant markets and provide advice on assessment of position and recommend purchasing tactics to customers.
7. Function as conduit for Outside Sales and Customer feedback to the rest of the organization. Support Outside Sales activities as defined by direct manager.
8. Own significant customer and category demand inputs (volume and GP) for short- and long-term business planning through established processes in the organization. Own and provide forecast input and inventory follow up for the assigned category.
9. Responsible for up to approx. $100-400 MM Sales/Year or corresponding Gross Profit.
10. Occasionally coach and mentor other team members.
11. Regularly work on special projects/other departmental responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: BA in Business, Finance or Marketing preferred. MS or MBA preferred or equivalent education and experience.

Related Experience: Minimum 3 years sales support, category management, finance/accounting, procurement/supply chain. Commodities market experience preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills: Intermediate/Advanced MS Excel skills required. Proficient in other Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint), phone/voice systems, etc. IBM, Salesforce and forecasting experience are a plus.

Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Reviews job-related information to assess and analyze results for accuracy, profitability, completeness, consistency, voids, identify performance trends by category and/or segment, etc.; Uses commodity market information and competitive data to adjust pricing strategies. Uses and incorporates job-related tools, systems, and processes (MS Excel, IBM, ERP, Daily Reports, S&OP, IBP, other) as needed.
• Mathematical Skills: Performs pricing calculations with accuracy, updated costs, proper markets, correct formulas, etc. ****
• Communications – Written and Oral: Communicates clearly, tactfully, and succinctly in a variety of communication mediums, settings, and styles; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; edits work for spelling grammar; presents numerical data effectively. Interacts in a professional and courteous manner.
• Customer oriented : Builds and/or delivers solutions that meet customer expectations; shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs. Focuses on building and expanding customer relationships, creating long term partnerships, and leading with a team approach to service.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions and acts and directs their implementation to achieve desired outcome.
• Teamwork : Works cooperatively with members of the team, Outside Sales, Customer Relationship team, Supply Chain and Operations, Technical Services, Finance, Marketing, Legal, and Management, to accomplish cross-functional tasks related to category management, demand needs and data analysis, contracts, pricing, risk management, product solutions, agreements, and expansion of customer relationships. Is a role model and mentor’s other members of the team.
• Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions in a timely and independent manner. Exhibits discernment in the decision-making process and treats sensitive and confidential information accordingly.

Additional Information

Physical: Typical activities may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace. May require lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds.

Sensory: Requires clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and others. Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands. Requires strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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