Senior Category Development Manager - Dairy, Grab-N-Go, Sushi

Company	Compass GroupSee more
Address	Charlotte, NC
Form of work	Full-Time
Category	Sales/marketing

Job description

Who is Foodbuy?
We are the industry leader in procurement and supply chain solutions. We are the subsidiary to the 6th largest company in the world (Compass Group PLC), yet Foodbuy has the feel of a small entrepreneurial Company. We pride ourselves on our ability to source and provide a variety of products and services that help our customers more easily, and cost effectively, run their businesses. We work with clients in the Hospitality, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, and Gaming industries, and of course we support Compass Group-- which is the world's largest contract food and support services provider.
Why Foodbuy?
We care about our associates, our clients, and our community. We think big, encourage innovation and debate, and seek out game changers. Our benefits and PTO offerings are strong. Our compensation packages are competitive. And we are constantly growing, and we want our associates' careers to grow along with us. We have an open and modern work environment, believe in flexibility, and promote a collaborative open door environment.
Additionally, we follow a value system called People FIRST, which stands for Flexibility, Inclusion, Results, Sustainability and Transparency. People FIRST is the foundation for everything we do at Foodbuy. It is how we connect and interact with our clients, business partners and fellow associates.
Job Summary
The Senior Category Development Manager is an exciting position within an important category area that is growing rapidly year on year. The primary duty of this position is to manage direct assigned categories and teams to establish short and long-term strategies for continued cost optimization, value improvement, supplier relationship development, and risk mitigation. Responsible for developing strategic category plans as well as negotiating and managing supplier performance. Duties include developing and directing the execution of analytical and strategic work, and most important, lead the development of talent within category management. Other duties include providing timely reporting updates and broader company leadership and support comprehensive business reviews and deliver best in class industry solutions that will enable growth and value for internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities:

Accountable for achieving financial and value optimization targets developed as part of annual category planning
Participates in the financial planning and forecasting process as well as provides relevant market information and dynamics to internal stakeholders
Develop a Category Strategy in conjunction with key business partners in support of the businesses strategies that include comprehensive cost reduction opportunities, quality of service improvements, risk management, and innovation, thus driving value creation
Conduct supply market analysis, cost modelling and bench-marking on sourcing engagements and contract renewals and to provide proactive insight to 3-year category strategy
Execute on supplier performance/relationship management for strategic supplier partner
In conjunction with Sourcing, initiate, direct and conduct all activities related to negotiating, evaluating, selecting and executing preferred supplier contracts
Manage and develop long-term relationships with strategic suppliers, distributors and industry specific associations
Ensure the range of services and/or products has been sourced and negotiated at the lowest net price to maximize business profitability & meet service needs
Engages with senior procurement personnel and partners with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure category alignment with global/regional strategies and presents comprehensive reports to senior management
Design cost savings projects across multiple commodities and services
Provide operational direction to the category procurement activity and seek to add value to local procurement activities by developing processes which support the overall strategy
Analyzes data or insights to determine industry and material trends, devises long-term development strategies for categories and alternate options
Influence and drive customer purchasing decisions
Lend support to key company initiatives, strategic projects and other ad hoc activities
Work with Human Resources staff to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ an appropriate number of employees
Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the department in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures
Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

6+ years product and category management experience required; significant experience with related category desired; experience in foodservice highly desirable.
Bachelor's degree strongly recommended or equivalent work experience; MBA a plus
Evidence of an ability to work cross-functionally with colleagues in operations, finance, customer service
Strong negotiation and relationship building experience at the most senior level into supplier organizations
Proven track record of ability to influence in a cross functional organization including conflict resolution
Must have a clear understanding of food service distribution, supply chain and has detailed route to market knowledge for key categories
Proven experience in managing a P & L or budget and deliver plan results.
Outstanding presentation skills and selling skills to manage implementation of key programs.
High proficiency level with MS Excel

Apply to Foodbuy today!
Foodbuy is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Foodbuy maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Foodbuy are offered many fantastic benefits.