Head of Prepared Foods (Retail)

Global Growth Industries; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Growth Industries in Charlotte is seeking a senior leader to own and execute the Prepared Foods category strategy, aligning with Foodservice growth objectives. You will drive annual planning, innovation roadmaps, and long-term vision, while evaluating trends and consumer insights to keep the portfolio competitive.

Responsibilities include product development, supplier management, pricing and promotions, and ensuring FSQA/HACCP compliance across functions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in foodservice, retail food, QSR, or CPG.
• Proven category or P&L ownership.
• Experience leading Prepared or Ready-to-Eat categories.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 60%.
• Familiarity with FSQA or HACCP frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the Prepared Foods category strategy aligned to Company’s Foodservice growth objectives.
• Lead annual business planning, innovation roadmaps, and long-term category vision.
• Evaluate emerging trends, consumer insights, and competitive dynamics.
• Serve as the internal center of excellence for Prepared Foods.
• Full accountability for sales, margin, COGS, and profitability.
• Build pricing, promotional, and assortment strategies to drive traffic.
• Partner with Procurement and Finance to optimize cost structures.
• Lead product development from concept through execution.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Secure exclusive products and innovation support.
• Partner with Training & Execution teams on tools and playbooks.
• Conduct field visits to validate execution.
• Ensure FSQA, HACCP, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Quality Assurance on food safety leadership.
• Collaborate across Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, QA, and BUs.
• Lead and develop direct reports and cross-functional contributors.

Skills

Category ownership

Product development

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Job description

This leader owns the Prepared Foods portfolio, including assortment strategy, innovation pipeline, supplier partnerships, training, and in-store execution, while collaborating closely with Operations, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Business Units. The role carries full accountability for financial performance, program rollout, and continuous improvement of the Prepared Foods offer. Also, any additional duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and execute the Prepared Foods category strategy aligned to Company’s Foodservice growth objectives
• Lead annual business planning, innovation roadmaps, and long-term category vision
• Evaluate emerging trends, consumer insights, and competitive dynamics
• Serve as the internal center of excellence for Prepared Foods
• Full accountability for sales, margin, COGS, and profitability
• Build pricing, promotional, and assortment strategies to drive traffic
• Partner with Procurement and Finance to optimize cost structures
• Lead product development from concept through execution
• Manage strategic supplier relationships
• Secure exclusive products and innovation support
• Partner with Training & Execution teams on tools and playbooks
• Conduct field visits to validate execution
• Ensure FSQA, HACCP, and regulatory compliance
• Partner with Quality Assurance on food safety leadership
• Collaborate across Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, QA, and BUs
• Lead and develop direct reports and cross-functional contributors

Qualifications:

• 8+ years experience in foodservice, retail food, QSR, or CPG
• Proven category or P&L ownership experience
• Strong background in product development and execution
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Ability to travel up to 60%
• Experience leading Prepared or Ready-to-Eat food categories
• Multi-market or national foodservice leadership exposure
• Familiarity with FSQA or HACCP frameworks