Category Manager - Dairy

Trader Joe's; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Trader Joe's in Monrovia, CA seeks an experienced Category Manager - Dairy to own the dairy category vision, optimize product value, and lead vendor negotiations. You will drive selection, manage inventory quality, and collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, and Buyers to hit sales, margins, and fulfillment targets.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in dairy or related foods, a four-year degree, and strong negotiation and communication skills to maintain vendor partnerships

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in dairy, grocery, or non-refrigerated foods.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with vendors.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on Trader Joe's Category Vision for the Dairy category, including product value, selection, vendor relations, fulfillment measures, negotiations, and inventory quality.
• Collaborate with Merchandising leadership to set and achieve sales, margin, SKU count and sales dollar/unit targets.
• Be an expert in dairy trends, procurement and commodity pricing, and offer a WOW! dairy selection.
• Support Buyers to achieve fulfillment goals like fill-rate, TOS and inventory quality.
• Manage dairy vendors and supply chain, monitor commodity costs and production capacity, and ensure negotiated agreements are fulfilled.
• Collaborate with Product Development to diversify the vendor base and reduce broker dependence.
• Maintain a shopping list of new dairy products and introduce them effectively.
• Work with other departments to achieve objectives.

Skills

Dairy category knowledge

Vendor relations

Negotiation skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Retail math

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who are we?

Trader Joe's is your favorite neighborhood grocery store! With over 600 stores nationwide (and growing), we are the place to be. Looking for something delicious and a friendly conversation? At Trader Joe's, you can find both. We love being your first and favorite place to shop.

What do we do?

Like shopping at Trader Joe's? Then, maybe you'll love working with us. We are looking for an experienced Category Manager - Dairy who is searching to do what they'll love! Do you have experience in Fluid Milk, Butter, Yogurt, and other Non-Dairy Alternative Products? Do you love food? If so, read on! We may have the role of a lifetime for you!

Trader Joe's is unlike any place you've ever worked. Trust us on that. The qualified Category Manager - Dairy has at least 5 years of dairy, grocery, or refrigerated foods experience and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. A Bachelor's Degree is strongly preferred. This role is based in our office in Monrovia, CA and we have an in office expectation of 5 days a week.

The Category Manager - Dairy is responsible for:

• Delivering on Trader Joe's Category Vision everyday for the Dairy category while also being responsible for product value, selection, vendor relations, fulfillment measures, negotiations, and inventory quality.
• Partnering with Merchandising leadership to set and achieve sales, margin, SKU count and sales dollar/unit minimum targets.
• Being an expert in dairy category trends, procurement and commodity pricing while offering a WOW! selection of everyday and seasonal dairy products.
• Supporting Buyer(s) to achieve fulfillment goals such as fill-rate, TOS and inventory quality goals.
• Managing vendors and the dairy supply chain to deliver Value on an ongoing basis and stays informed about commodity costs, production capacity, ensuring that vendors deliver on their negotiated agreements and product quality while demonstrating integrity in dealings and ensuring their allegiance is to Trader Joe's customers.
• Collaborating with Product Development to diversify our vendor base and develops broker-free relationships.
• Maintaining a Shopping List of new dairy products needed to make the Category a WOW! while also developing and introducing new dairy products in a persuasive and informative manner.
• Working collaboratively with other departments.

The Category Manager - Dairy has:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in dairy, grocery, or non-refrigerated foods and a four year college degree or equivalent is preferred.
• Vast knowledge of Dairy products, commodity markets, and product development.
• Exceptional communication skills with internal and external stakeholders including expert negotiation skills with a focus on building respectful relationships with our vendor partners.
• A comfort with retail-based mathematics and is proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in buying and sourcing of new food products with an understanding of how to evaluate quality, manage fulfillment goals and partnering with larger Product teams.
• The ability to stay organized amid a fast paced and changing retail environment while juggling multiple priorities without losing sight of the smallest details.
• Demonstrated integrity in everything they do.

Trader Joe's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring a diverse Crew.