Category Manager (F&B)

-; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the F&B sector is seeking a Quality Assurance and Food Safety Expert to oversee the implementation of quality control processes and ensure food safety standards across ADNOC stores. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree, have significant experience in category management, and possess strong negotiation and project management skills. This role involves training food handlers, auditing suppliers, and collaborating with various departments to resolve food safety issues.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in category management including 4 years in increasing responsibility.
• Proficient in developing and implementing effective category management strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and ensure execution of F&B standard operating procedures.
• Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments.
• Support investigation of customer complaints related to food safety.

Skills

Negotiation

Market Research

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration

Master's or Postgraduate Degree in Sales and Marketing

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for developing, establishing, and ensuring the execution of F&B standard operating procedures. Ensure quality control and quality assurance processes/procedures are followed across ADNOC stores. Coordinate with Category Management and Operations to conduct F&B supplier audits and inspections, evaluate quality and food safety performance and produce process measurements.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Quality Assurance and Food Safety

• Provide leadership for developing and directing Quality and Food Safety initiatives across F&B Department; advise management on all Quality and Food Safety standards pertaining to the F&B Department's requirements and provide them with the necessary guidance and assistance.
• Act as a Food Safety Expert. Advice Management in developing Quality and Food Safety strategic improvement plans and monitoring their implementation.
• Develop and establishes F&B Procedure Manuals.
• Establish Food Safety SOP Manual for F&B department, conduct training on the SOPs and ensure implementation of the same.
• Establish the successful implementation of Quality and Food Safety Standards during the opening of new sites.
• Ensure ADNOC Distributions adherence to ADAFSA Regulations regarding Food Safety and Food Retail.

Category Sourcing & Supplier Audit

• Work closely with the Category Management Team in assessing suppliers and recommending qualifying/ disqualifying them through an evaluation process in consultation with the management (Supplier assessment and auditing program).

• Assess any new/proposed suppliers to ADNOC Oasis competence as a prerequisite to any newly contracted supplier, collect relevant information e.g. trade license, agency letters, etc. Recommends to management actions required for noncompliant suppliers.
• Issue a 'Performance Score" to the supplier along with any improvements required with timescales within which to comply.
• Complete periodic Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) adherence checks on F&B Suppliers (Supplier Audits).
• Ensure all food handlers in F& department are trained as per ADAFSA regulations.
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base opportunities to reduce cost, minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and exploit industry developments that benefit ADNOC Distribution.
• Monitor supplier performance based on meeting their obligations and self-product availability to improve and maximize the service level from suppliers. Maintains relations and renegotiates regularly, to embitter terms and reach the lowest, possible, cost price for products.

Operations Management

• Verify adherence to SOPs and Manuals by conducting periodic store visits.
• Conduct store audits/inspections based on F&B criteria and measure performance of stores (Internal Audits).
• Keep track of any changes that occur in legislation, communicating them to management and other relevant departments.
• Ensure all food handlers in the F&B department are trained as per ADFCA regulations.
• Record and Files Periodic Checks for future reference.

Collaboration

• Support Operations and other departments in customer complaint investigations which may be a result of poor Food Safety Management from Suppliers and/or at C-Store outlets.
• Educates and trains employees as to their impact on the F&B, Quality and Food Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration or any other relevant discipline
• Masters or post graduate degree is Sales and Marketing will be highly preferable

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• 8 years of experience in category management department, including 4 years in position of increasing responsibility.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing effective category management strategies and plans for various products and services.
• Skilled in conducting market research, analysis, and forecasting to identify opportunities and risks for the organization.
• Proficiency in negotiating and managing contracts and agreements with suppliers and vendors, ensuring optimal terms and conditions and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluating supplier performance and quality, and initiating corrective actions as required.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, such as business units, procurement, finance, legal, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in demonstrating critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.