Candy & Snacks Category Manager

Carrie Rikon & Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Benefits

Job summary

A leading food company based in College Point, NY is seeking a Candy & Snacks Category Manager. The role involves managing procurement and inventory for profitable product lines, with responsibilities including demand forecasting, vendor relations, and inventory management. The ideal candidate has over 3 years of experience in purchasing and is currently a Category Manager in the candy or snacks industry. Excellent benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience.
• Currently a Category Manager in candy and/or snacks.
• Strong understanding of store operations and merchandising practices.

Responsibilities

• Order products to meet forecasted demand.
• Obtain best possible product costs, quality, and service.
• Interface with various departments and develop vendor relationships.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Position: Candy & Snacks Category Manager
Location: College Point, NY (Onsite, 5 days/week)
Salary: $125,000–$130,000

The food company is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines. Works closely with the Sr. Director of Purchasing and Senior Buyers to achieve the goals of the company. Provides supply chain/inventory management for promotionally active categories and corresponding financial accountabilities. Procures product in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the company.

Responsibilities

• Order products to meet forecasted demand.
• Obtain best possible product costs, quality and service at all times.
• Ensure that established policies and procedures are understood and adhered to.
• Strive to obtain inventory and turn goals, while maintaining the service level and minimizing distress.
• Interface with various departments and division personnel to accomplish job functions. Develop and maintain good working relationships with vendors, store operations, distribution center and division office personnel.
• Review acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need.
• Assess current inventory, market conditions, availability, and promotional impact to forecast order quantities and make recommendations to the merchandising team.
• Conduct post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and develop solutions for problem areas.
• Review and resolve inventory issues at store level as a result of allocations or order issues. Review and analyze daily and weekly reports to monitor costs, quality, service level, inventory turns, and distress and make adjustments as needed.
• Visit stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess overall implementation effectiveness.
• Manage Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced.
• Resolve store billing questions by researching discrepancies submitted at store level with Store Billing and entering credits where appropriate or providing resolution.
• Maintain all necessary department files and records.
• Coordinate with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow through the facility in a timely manner.
• Remote access (buying system) from home or off site location when necessary.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience.
• Must currently be a Category Manager in candy and/or snacks (either or).
• Marketing/Logistics experience preferred or strong understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices.
• Understanding of beverage procurement, logistics, inventory management, marketing, accounting, and financial management practices.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills; ability to take initiative and make fast-based decisions.
• Ability to plan and organize effectively.
• Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships both internally and externally.
• Strong computer aptitude in MS Office, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits