POSITION SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Manages the efficient and profitable development of specific product categories and the effective use of resources to develop those categories.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A four-year college education or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working in procurement of category perishable food products.
• Thorough knowledge of the food distribution industry and purchasing and merchandise practices.

• Assists Department Floor Manager in vendor and product selection decisions as warranted by customer needs, corporate commitments, contract commitments, and operational issues.
• Assists Department Floor Manager in negotiating with suppliers and the management of cost changes and pricing standards.
• Analyze product categories for inventory rationalization.
• Responsible for customer trends and product expertise with assigned categories. Works with the Department Floor Manager for continued growth of assigned categories.
• Works with Department Floor Manager for merchandising and training of the products in the assigned categories at food shows, sales meetings, and individual customer presentations.
• Works with Department Floor Manager for all communications and training on unique requirements of products and promotion of products.
• Provides the Marketing department with material for monthly customer mailing, including coupons, deal, point additions, line changes, etc. for assigned categories.
  Actively involved in developing new products within the assigned categories
  Performs similar and related duties as required by Department Floor Manager.