Category Manager, Import Grapes

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Category Director of Import Grapes, the Category Manager, Import Grapes is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day and in-season functions of the assigned category, including procurement, pricing, inventory management, and sales support. The Category Manager will work with the Category Director to lead discussions on sales calls related to the import grape category, manage inventory rotation, grower communication/relationships, pricing strategies, and allocate orders with the assistance of the coordinator. The role requires decision-making authority on sales orders and fruit purchases within the category, including profit and loss management. Additionally, the Category Manager will be responsible for writing a weekly market report for both sales and growers, providing valuable insights and recommendations. This is a demanding and fast-moving position that requires a proactive and positive thinker who can exercise leadership, good judgment, effective communication, and initiative.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Call the market and stay informed of market trends, pricing, and competitor activities.

• Lead discussions on sales calls related to the grape category, providing insights and recommendations.

• Manage day-to-day pricing strategies, including ad cycle pricing and managing grower averages.

• Allocate orders within the category with the assistance of the coordinator, ensuring timely and efficient order fulfillment.

• Have decision-making authority on sales orders for the category, ensuring alignment with company goals and strategies.

• Manage fruit purchases within the category, including profit and loss management.

• Write a weekly market report for sales, highlighting key trends, pricing strategies, and recommendations.

• Write a weekly/bi-weekly market report for growers, providing insights into market conditions and demand forecasts.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and operations, to ensure alignment and support for category objectives.

• Stay informed of industry developments and market trends, providing insights and recommendations to drive category growth and profitability.

• Coordinate with Domestic Grape Category Manager to align strategies for season transitions.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership

• Communication Proficiency

• Flexibility

• Relationship Development

• Planning & Organizing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position will be considered. Typically, this includes:

• Bachelor’s degree, foreign equivalent, or equivalent work experience in Business Administration, Agriculture, or a closely related degree from an accredited institution is strongly preferred.

• 6+ years of direct or related experience in the fresh produce industry is required.

• 3+ years’ of direct experience in category management, procurement, or related roles within the fresh produce industry is required.

• 2+ years direct experience working with Table Grapes strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of imports.

• Bi-lingual English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The knowledge, skills, and abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive, and additional qualifications may be required depending on business needs.

• Knowledge of the grape market, including varieties, sourcing regions, and market dynamics.

• Ability to manage the P&L for a product category, with a focus on driving profitability and growth.

• The ability to multi-task timely, confidently, and comfortably in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven sales and category management strategic thinker and problem solver.

• Ability to meet and exceed sales and customer satisfaction objectives.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems, databases, and computer skills, with experience in data analysis and reporting.

• Assertive, friendly and a positive thinker.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across the organization.

• Ability to build strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Detail-oriented approach with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze market data and trends to make informed decisions.

• Ability to work through conflict and effectively address issues.

• Ability to problem solve while effectively keeping stakeholders updated on progress.

• Ability to adapt and function effectively in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

• Ability to prioritize effectively and work with a sense of urgency.

• Ability to be on-call and to work evenings and/or weekends.

• Ability to travel overnight (Domestic & International) as Company needs require.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.

• Work Location: Office 80% / Cold Storage 10% / Field (10%)

• Stress Level: Moderate to high, particularly high during the peak season. Stress is driven by tight deadlines, multi-tasking, and the fast-paced nature of the fresh produce industry.

• Noise Level: Office noise level is low to moderate. Noise level in cold storage is moderate to loud

• Temperature: Cold storage temperature can be at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a desk, speaking on the phone, and working on a computer.

• Ability to work in cold storage environments.

• Sustained frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands, elbows, and arms, with twisting, bending, and stooping.

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and focus.

• Occasional periods of standing and walking when visiting clients, fields, and cold storage facilities.

• Must be able to lift up to 45lbs.