Category Specialist - Meat

Founded in 1901, Feeser’s, Inc. is a family owned and operated full-line foodservice distributor located in Harrisburg, PA servicing the Mid-Atlantic region. Feeser’s provides an expansive offering of dry, refrigerated, and frozen products to a diverse customer base comprised of restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, and other institutions.

DESCRIPTION OF EMPLOYER: Founded in 1901, Feeser’s, Inc. is a family owned and operated full-line foodservice distributor located in Harrisburg, PA servicing the Mid-Atlantic region. Feeser’s provides an expansive offering of dry, refrigerated, and frozen products to a diverse customer base comprised of restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, and other institutions.

SUMMARY: The Category Specialist is responsible for the leadership of their designated category including developing the category plan, its execution and measurement of performance, daily purchasing, negotiation with vendors and collaborating with our sales team and customers to drive profitable category growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy & Execution

• Utilize data and analytics to inform the development of the annual category plan and its execution

• Develop and present customer specific presentation of relevant consumer insights, competitive responses, and new item/category selling strategies

• Lead the presentation of daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting of key metrics to the Leadership team with supporting actions to meet/exceed budget goals

• Develop strategies for new and updated products based on customer demand and product trends

• Lead the development and execution of initiatives (for financial and operational success) that are instrumental in achieving the strategic plan

• Use current information in evaluation of suppliers' capabilities and to determine potential uses of other alternatives for improved cost and performance

• Partner and influence sales team to successfully execute the sourcing strategy and deliver business goals

• Establish risk management strategies based on market dynamics analysis, supply and demand data, historical & current trends

• Uses available data to determine the best- and worst-performing products, create profit and loss statements, and assess performance against competitors

Purchasing

• Purchase all lines consisting of ~1,500 stock items from 120-125 vendors

• Work collaboratively with the sales team to build supply and demand forecast and execution plans

• Define monthly, quarterly and annual targets for key metrics including inventory turn and fulfillment

• Build and maintain relationships with vendors to achieve optimal product, process performance and ensure vendors are providing maximum value to the category and the company

• Lead strategic sourcing plans and execution ensuring supply resilience to unlock value and deliver competitive advantages

• Negotiate, budget and monitor discounts, rebates and allowances

• Leverage vendor partnerships to obtain critical and actionable category insights and research

• Develop fact-based decisions targeted at driving category growth in partnership with vendors

• Source, qualify, negotiate and manage vendor relationships

• Work with the warehouse and quality assurance to ensure vendors meet standards and determine actions in case of a quality or service concern

• Inform team members of category and product goals, assign roles and responsibilities, and work together to drive performance

Manage Inventory

• Monitor inventory levels, procures additional stock, and develops strategies for working with sales, brokers, marketing, and manufacturers to get rid of excess or unwanted inventory.

• Help to optimize warehouse storage for products

• Creates regular reports on product availability

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must have strong decision-making.

• Must have a basic understanding of the product life cycle and how to turn their product ideas into goods that are efficiently made available or delivered to customers.

• Must be organized.

• Must be a self-starter who requires limited day-to-day direction.

• Must have strong analytical skills.

• Experience in productivity software (Microsoft Office).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management or the equivalent experience. (required)

• At least 5 years of experience in a category management or category buyer role. (required)

• Knowledge of Food Industry or Food service background (required)

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Experience utilizing an Enterprise Resource Platform is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift equipment up to 75 pounds.

• Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

• Must possess visual acuity, i.e., close, distance, and color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust.

Feeser's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified women, minorities, and US military veterans are encouraged to apply.

Feeser's Food Distributors is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.