Category Management & Supplier Relations Specialist

FHLB Des Moines; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Grand Rapids, LLC is seeking a Category Manager to support department goals through high-end customer order fulfillment, inventory management, and executing corporate category strategies. You will assist in product assortment updates and train staff on supplier initiatives and promotions.

The role requires 3+ years in retail/wholesale or distribution and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Strong negotiation, Excel, and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Education Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions
• Experience 3+ years of experience. Experience working within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment

Responsibilities

• Execute Category Management and other initiatives within assigned categories
• Responsible for Category success and overall Support of Corporate core suppliers
• Communicate with planners/suppliers/brokers/sales team/customer service
• Manage and promote local assortment within assigned categories to achieve company goals
• Manage local supplier and broker relationships
• Provide input, support, and guidance to operation company (OpCo) Sales Specialist
• Facilitate corporate assortment training at the operation company (OpCo) as required
• Conduct local supplier reviews and negotiations using corporate best business practices
• Negotiate/secure supplier-funded customer deviated pricing
• Facilitate negotiations and management of local Earned Income programs
• Manage and review company Earned Income components
• Work with supplier Category Captains or Advisors for focus categories as required
• Support inventory depletion process by identifying items to be discontinued and assisting in supplier negotiations to return products
• Drive results on focus categories and support promotional activities and selling events
• Direct line of contact for local sales and communicate with and assist Sales on all issues
• New item and Vendor creation
• Drive increased Sysco Brand sales
• Manage category equities and market pricing to support pricing integrity in conjunction with RevMan team
• Collaborate and review Sales and GP results of Market Cost Price changes with Revenue Management team
• Provide market commodity/industry news and updates to the sales organization

Skills

Conflict resolution

Multitasking

Merchandising

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Planning

Merchandising processes

Supplier negotiation

Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sysco Grand Rapids, LLC is seeking a Category Manager to support department goals through high-end customer order fulfillment, inventory management, and executing corporate category strategies. You will assist in product assortment updates and train staff on supplier initiatives and promotions.

The role requires 3+ years in retail/wholesale or distribution and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Strong negotiation, Excel, and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success.