Category Manager
ConfidentialSenior Category Manager – Citrus & Grapes Sweet Fresh Produce | World Food Trading Group Location: Vancouver, BC Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits About WFT Fresh Sweet Fresh Produce, part of the international World Food Trading Group, is expanding its fresh produce business in Canada. We have an established international sourcing network offering year-round CITRUS programs from Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and South Africa , along with premium table GRAPES from Peru and Chile . We are seeking a highly experienced, disciplined, and commercially driven Category Manager – Citrus & Grapes to develop and manage retail supply programs with major supermarket chains across Western Canada. This is a senior commercial role focused on building supermarket programs, developing customer relationships, and generating significant sales volumes. The ideal candidate already has an established network of supermarket produce buyers and a proven track record of successfully developing and managing fresh produce retail programs. Key Responsibilities Develop and manage citrus and table grape programs with major supermarket chains across Western Canada. Utilize existing industry relationships to establish new retail supply agreements and generate significant sales volumes. Build and execute commercial business plans for 2027 and 2028. Negotiate pricing, volumes, seasonal programs, and supply agreements with supermarket buyers. Develop year-round retail programs utilizing our international sourcing network. Manage customer relationships, sales forecasts, profitability, and commercial performance. Coordinate with international sourcing, logistics, and quality control teams. Identify new retail opportunities and expand existing customer relationships. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in the fresh produce industry , specifically in category management, retail sales, or supermarket program development. Proven experience developing and managing fresh produce supply programs with supermarket chains. Established professional relationships with supermarket produce buyers in Western Canada. Strong technical and commercial knowledge of both citrus and table grapes , including varieties, sizing, quality standards, packaging, seasonality, and international sourcing. Demonstrated ability to develop new retail accounts and generate substantial commercial volumes. Excellent negotiation, business planning, and relationship management skills. Highly disciplined, independent, results-oriented, and commercially focused. Must be based in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. Please note: This position requires direct fresh produce industry experience and established supermarket relationships. Candidates with general sales, grocery store operations, or procurement experience without relevant retail program development experience will not be considered. What We Offer Attractive and competitive base salary. Performance-based bonus linked to an agreed business plan and commercial results. Comprehensive health and employee benefits. Access to an established international network of growers and exporters. Full sourcing, logistics, quality control, and operational support. Professional training, commercial tools, and resources. Significant autonomy and opportunities for professional growth. Opportunity to develop and lead a substantial retail business within an international organization. Business Development Expectations We are looking for an experienced professional who can make an immediate commercial impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a measurable business plan for 2027 and 2028, outlining: Target supermarket customers and retail programs. Citrus and grape categories. Countries of origin and seasonal availability. Expected annual container volumes. Revenue and profitability projections. Customer development and e…