Produce Category Manager — Produce Buying & Grower

Jobot; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an experienced Produce Category Manager to lead sourcing, pricing and supplier relationships for fresh produce. The role focuses on ownership of assigned categories, managing inventory, margin and performance metrics in a fast-paced environment.

You will negotiate contracts, develop grower relationships, and coordinate with sales and operations to ensure quality, compliance and timely delivery. This is an on-site permanent position in Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fresh produce buying experience.
• Experience with FOB and delivered purchasing.
• Experience in produce distribution or fresh food environments.
• Category management or senior buying experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of produce regions, seasonality, and pricing.
• Knowledge of PACA, USDA, FDA, FSMA and traceability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sourcing, pricing, supplier relationships, inventory and category performance.
• Source and purchase produce on FOB and delivered bases.
• Develop grower, shipper, importer and vendor relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, programs, and promotions.
• Monitor crop conditions, regions, seasonality, supply and market pricing.
• Forecast demand and maintain inventory levels.
• Balance product availability, freshness, fill rates and shrink.
• Analyze SKU/category performance for growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with sales, operations, warehouse and quality teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability and labeling requirements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Excel proficiency

Inventory management systems

Category management

Produce knowledge

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

Produce inventory software

Job description

Jobot is seeking an experienced Produce Category Manager to lead sourcing, pricing and supplier relationships for fresh produce. The role focuses on ownership of assigned categories, managing inventory, margin and performance metrics in a fast-paced environment.

You will negotiate contracts, develop grower relationships, and coordinate with sales and operations to ensure quality, compliance and timely delivery. This is an on-site permanent position in Philadelphia.