Category Operations Manager Produce - Area

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE Join Our Community of Food People!

• Support and execute the implementation of US Foods produce category strategy across the defined Area. Recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs within the area.
• Work with Area sales leaders, specialists and other customer support roles to drive key account development.
• Own produce assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of produce goals for all markets within that Area.
• Support all local customer requirements within the defined Area keeping in line with the national strategies coming from the Center. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Own implementation plan for Area produce category and operational strategies customized for multiple Distribution Centers.
• Ensure implementation is in alignment with overall US Foods category strategy, goals and defined Area needs.
• Review assigned Area product assortment and gauge product penetration, noting slow or dead products as well as growth opportunities. Responsible for profitable sales growth within assigned categories for their Area.
• Ensure Area product assortment is in alignment with US Foods category strategy and work to reduce product duplication.
• Ensure all local customer needs are met and are aligned with the national strategies.
• Maintain lead role in consistently gathering local market data for multiple DCs in assigned Area (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners.
• Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs.
• Ensure weekly produce communication with the sales team.
• Implement produce strategy with leadership and ensure all quality objectives are met.
• Work with the corporate team covering delayed trucks and potential shorted items. Communicated market and area needs with our overall corporate strategy.
• Communicate issues to sellers and customers ahead of arrival with alternatives.
• Facilitate product training and new product introductions, with DSS, Specialists and sales staff and Specialists.
• Ensure product/brand message is in alignment with overall USF strategy.
• Work closely with the culinary team, conducting planning meetings to identify accounts and categories and their potential opportunities.
• Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and work closely with the Region team on any national or regional vendor issues.
• Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer on-boarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy.
• Work with QAs, replenishment and Logistics to maintain quality, on time delivery and service levels through good communication and produce operations.
• Manage local fill in vendors and assure  customer satisfaction.
• Working with logistics to track critical inbound product  and resolve local issues as they arise. .
• Work with operations Inventory Control and QA to identify overstock  and set plan to sell product quickly, at a discount if needed. SUPERVISION Area and Market Quality Assurance Coordinators and Supervisors QUALIFICATIONS Education/Training:  Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required. Related
• Experience:  Minimum 7 years category management experience required. Project management experience preferred.
• Experience in the Food Service or Food Manufacturing industries strongly preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups. Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance. Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint is required.

Compensation

depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $65,000 - $100,000 ***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/ Age/Genetic Information /Protected Veteran/Disability Status***