National Category Specialist

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our employees who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day! POSITION OVERVIEW: The National Category Specialist is responsible for achieving Key Performance Indicators related to earnings, category growth, margin, and inventory health. The position is also responsible for developing and strengthening Category Buyers and supporting overall business operations across the nation. The Category Specialist will develop an implementation plan for category strategy, customized for multiple regions, and ensure implementation is in alignment with the overall strategy and goals of the Organization. This position will work closely with internal departments and external suppliers to complete multiple initiatives in a timely manner. Frequent business travel is expected in this role. PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and implement long term growth strategies for product category. Research and analyze data and market insights to support demand planning. Support sustainable sourcing for customers with new and innovative product portfolios. Product assortment is in alignment with GS Foods category strategy. Support bids through analysis, coordinate vendor promotions, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy and challenges. Responsible for achieving the budgeted targets and other key performance indicators including but are not limited to margin, sales, monthly budget, unfilled rate, slow moving products, new item development, product quality control, promotion plan and sales achievement, and write offs. Accountable for the category overall performance of the organization Overall category inventory control. Meet all inventory and days-on-hand targets. Analyze financial results, conduct variance analyses by period and take appropriate actions to ensure goals are being met. Source and procure category products for bid contracts and sustainable sourcing. Continue to expand the number of products and develop new business opportunities by building relationships with new and existing suppliers. Cultivate and further develop relationships with existing suppliers and distributors through relationship building and repeated negotiations. Provide support for category buying team on buying strategy, Vendor support, local sourcing and finding alternative vendors. Cultivate good relationships with internal departments to support business operations and development. Support of all CM related inquiries; researching products, attaching vendors, items and pricing to send to buyers. Perform any other duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS: Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to solve problems independently. Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen. Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate/analyze data for business needs. Proven negotiation skills with sound business judgment and decision-making. Intermediate level in MS Words and PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. Ability to travel for food shows as needed. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, or a related field. 3 years of experience in procurement or category management in food service or food manufacturing industries. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 10-20% WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Professional office environment. Primary office environment is ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.The physical demands describ…

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