Category Director Fruit

Ardo; West-Vlaanderen; Sur place; EUR 150 000 - 230 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Remuneration package

Flexible work arrangements

Growth opportunities

Résumé du poste

Ardo seeks a Category Director, Fruit to lead the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Fruit Category, aligning with global ambitions and driving growth across markets.

You will oversee sourcing, supply-chain, packing, quality, and P&L, develop strategic partnerships with growers and co-packers, and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver customer-focused fruit solutions worldwide.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in senior leadership in the food/agribusiness sector.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and financial management.

Responsabilités

• Lead strategic and commercial plan for the Fruit Category in line with corporate objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end operations including sourcing, supply-chain, co-packing, quality control, logistics, and distribution.
• Manage the Category budget, P&L, and financial targets.
• Develop strategic partnerships with growers, suppliers, and co-packers.
• Represent the Fruit Category in executive meetings and strategic forums.

Connaissances

Strategic planning

Financial management

Team leadership

Supply chain

Stakeholder engagement

Category management

Customer focus

Formation

Master’s degree in business administration or related field

Description du poste

Category Director, Fruit

The Category Director, Fruit is responsible for leading the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Fruit Category. This role ensures alignment with the company’s overall strategy and drives sustainable growth, profitability, and innovation in fruit, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, supply‑chain efficiency, and business development. The position also involves developing strategic global partnerships to secure supply.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic and commercial plan for the Fruit Category in line with corporate objectives.
• Create a strategic sourcing plan for fruit raw materials and identify and develop strategic partnerships.
• Develop a plan for packing capabilities, both internal and external.
• Monitor global and regional fruit market trends, consumer behaviour, and the competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
• Optimize the S&OP process with strategic suppliers and co‑packers.
• Develop a pricing strategy (commercial & procurement) and a risk‑mitigation plan.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end operations including sourcing, supply‑chain, co‑packing, quality control, logistics, and distribution.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, sustainability goals, and operational excellence.

Financial Oversight

• Manage the Category budget, P&L, and financial targets.
• Drive cost optimization and margin improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across sourcing, production, sales, marketing, and supply‑chain.
• Foster a culture of performance, innovation, and collaboration.

Customer & Market Focus

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention across retail, foodservice, and industrial channels.
• Guide Category management through product development and portfolio management based on consumer insights and market needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with growers, suppliers, internal departments, and external partners.
• Represent the Fruit Category in executive meetings and strategic forums.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, commercial management, agribusiness, food technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles within the food or agribusiness sector.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership.

Benefits

• Opportunity to be part of an authentic and sustainable international company with real growth opportunities and the freedom to shape the business.
• Full remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position.
• Flexibility in work arrangements to support a family‑friendly environment.