Category Manager, Food Distribution

Category Manager, Food Distribution at Performance Foodservice summary:

Manage purchasing, vendor relations, merchandising, and financial performance for assigned food product categories within a broadline foodservice distribution business to maximize profitability, in-stock levels, and inventory turns. Lead and support buyers, conduct supplier meetings, negotiate pricing and programs, address aged inventory and stock issues, and collaborate with sales, marketing, finance, warehouse, and transportation teams. Provide sales support to field teams, identify growth opportunities, and ensure efficient category operations across customers such as restaurants, healthcare, and schools.

Job Description:

We Deliver the Goods:

• Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more
• Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America’s food distribution system
• Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect

Position Summary

Manage the customer relations, purchasing, and financial management functions related to assigned product category in order to achieve maximum profits and customer satisfaction. Coordinate the buying, selling, and merchandising efforts of the vendor and distributor, resulting in satisfied customers, profitable sales and above average in-stock percentages, inventory turns, and days accounts payable outstanding. Interfaces with customers, vendors, management, warehouse personnel, and the Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Transportation, Information Services, Inbound Freight Traffic personnel, Vice President, Purchasing and other Purchasing personnel. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.

Position Responsibilities:

• Ongoing Evaluation of product lines, programs and pricing, to identify where there are opportunities to make changes or maximize our current supplier relationships.
• Act as leadership to the purchasing team/ buyers by giving appropriate direction, support and guidance in all areas they impact. Service level/ out of stocks, expiration issues, aged inventory, EOQ, days on hand, and best buying practices.
• Conduct Supplier meetings on a quarterly basis to discuss opportunities ,new items or changes to current assortment, current #s, programs and any gaps that may be present.
• Act as sales support to our 150 plus sales team. To include researching products, new suppliers, pricing, and negotiating deals to stay competitive.
• Take ownership of Aged Inventory and finding solutions in a timely manner.
• Work with sales, finance, and marketing to identify key opportunities for sales growth
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience

4-6 years of foodservice distribution and purchasing experience

Company description

Performance Foodservice, PFG’s broadline distributor, maintains a unique relationship with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers — providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The Performance team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams.

Awards and Accolades

Performance Food Group and/or its subsidiaries (individually or collectively, the "Company") provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Please click on the following links to review: (1) our EEO Policy ; (2) the "EEO is the Law" poster and supplement ; and (3) the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .

Keywords:

food distribution, category management, purchasing, vendor relations, inventory management, merchandising, negotiation, foodservice distribution, sales support