Produce Category Manager

Sysco Corp.; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Central Florida, Inc. is seeking a seasoned produce category leader to drive growth across a regional footprint. You will work with Sales, Supply Chain, and Revenue Management to optimize pricing, product availability, and market insights while training and guiding field teams.

The role requires strong communication, 5+ years in produce or related fields, and a knack for data-driven decision-making. A bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience to perform essential job functions.
• 5+ years management/professional experience preferred, with significant produce industry exposure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; advanced Excel skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive profitable sales growth of the produce category within a region.
• Collaborate cross functionally (Sales, Supply Chain, Revenue Management) and across entities.
• Provide market cost guidance and pricing for key regional customers.
• Develop category strategy and align with SMS Produce teams to execute plans.
• Train and educate customers and internal teams on products, regulations, and market conditions.
• Manage assortment, product availability, and exit strategies for underperforming items.
• Lead category sales training for Sales Consultants and coordinate field feedback.

Skills

Produce category leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Sales growth strategy

Pricing and market insights

Forecasting and planning

Training and coaching

Data analysis and Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Master’s degree a plus

Job description

Company:

US0022 Sysco Central Florida, Inc.

Sales Territory:

None

Zip Code:

34761

Travel Percentage:

0

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

The pay range provided is not indicative of Sysco’s actual pay range but is merely algorithmic and provided for generalized comparison. Factors that may be used to determine rate of pay include specific skills, work location, work experience and other individualized factors

Brief Role Description:

• Responsible for driving profitable sales growth of the produce category within a region
• Collaborates cross functionally (Sales, Supply Chain, Revenue Management) and across entities (Market, Corporate, Specialty)
• Category expert that provides training, product information, regulatory guidance, and market cost guidance to internal and external customers in support of the produce category.

PRIMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy

• Align with SMS Produce teams to execute strategies
• Identify category development opportunities, coordinate with sales teams (leaders, specialists, sales consultants) to propose new business
• Ensuring expected compliance and proper support of SMS Produce and Freshpoint.
• Analyze data and market insights to understand consumer needs and wants
• Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing
• Manage site specific market cost decisions on a weekly basis
• Collaborating with Regional Revenue Management Director and Regional VP of Merch, utilize available contract programs and resources to provide customer specific pricing for key Regional customers
• Provide field feedback on strategies including advising on marketing materials to improve sales

Provide planning team with forecasts for product demand trends

• Coordinating new customer on boarding activities
• Addressing the needs and concerns of key CMU/LCC contacts within the Region

Assortment Management

• Providing product assortment and SKU rationalization recommendations that are aligned with your Region demand
• Ensure product availability
• Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products

Category Training

• Providing SC support through business reviews, customer insight encounters with targeted training and education.
• Schedule and manage category sales training of Sales Consultants
• Provide timely and effective communication with Sales force including but not limited to market conditions, product quality and availability, new items and applications.

Product Quality/Quality control

• Develop and monitor SOPs ensuring that pick locations are checked daily
• Collaborating with Operations and Food Safety teams
• Work cross-functionally with QA and Operations to generate PDN’s – ensure accuracy, timely completion, and submission. Ensure resulting claims are tracked and settled appropriately

Mitigate Expense/Shrink

• Works with inventory control to manage expiration dating through SWMS reports.
• Works closely with Quality Assurance lead(s) and in conjunction with Operations and Transportation Management
• Establish and maintain accountability that all inbound product is inspected thoroughly
• Collaborate with QA and Product Support Advisors to ensure quality and integrity of all inbound and outbound Category 11 products
• Manage market adherence to GAP/GMP Compliance

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions required. Master’s degree a plus.
• 3+ years management/professional experience required (5+ years preferred). Significant produce industry experience, sales, merchandising and/or operations experience within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment preferred.
• Strong written & verbal communications skills required
• Strong excel skills preferred
• Ability to manage & implement innovative strategies to maximize sales & gross profit potential while driving customer loyalty & MA engagement

Skills:

• Ability to build high performing teams and enable best practice sharing and support culture
• Ability to motivate high-performing teams & enable a culture of best practices
• Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue
• Ability to work cross functionally and build relationships across the organization/enterprise
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of different backgrounds
• Collaborative change leader who uses multiple influencing styles to drive change
• Analytical thinker who can draw sound business conclusions based on a strong fact base
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

BENEFITS INFORMATION:

For information on Sysco’s Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com

OVERVIEW:

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.

We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We’re looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

This opportunityis available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.