Category Manager - Cheese and Charcuterie

About the Role:

The Category Manager for Cheese and Charcuterie will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and profitability of our product lines within the wholesale trade sector. This position involves strategic planning, market analysis, and supplier relationship management to ensure that our offerings meet customer demands and industry trends. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that enhance our competitive position in the market. Additionally, this role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory management and product placement. Ultimately, the Category Manager will contribute to the overall success of the business by ensuring that our cheese and charcuterie selections are both appealing and profitable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in category management/product management/territory within the wholesale trade industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the food industry, specifically with cheese and charcuterie products.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities within the cheese and charcuterie categories.
• Communicate market fluctuations, shortages, competitive pressure, and competitive opportunities that impact item sales.
• Launch relevant new products to expand Peterson's product selection; measure performance of products and devise strategies to maximize sales potential
• Develop and execute effective marketing strategies to achieve sales growth goals in collaboration with VP Sales & Marketing and Marketing Manager. Including: Peterson and trade events; sales flyers; catalogues; social media posts; training materials including sell sheets and videos.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms, and product availability.
• Conduct supplier business reviews to develop sales & marketing strategies, address issues, and develop new sales opportunities. Follow up to implement plans and measure results.
• Analyze sales data and performance metrics to make informed decisions about product assortment and inventory levels.
• Provide training and education on designated product lines to Outside Sales, Inside Sales, and customers; collaborate with Outside Sales to present products to customers and provide customer training and education.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills to present, persuade, and communicate with diverse range of staff, customers, and Peterson team members.
• Strong business sense to provide guidance to customers, assist them in their success, and foster a strong level of customer satisfaction.
• Understanding and ability to calculate margins/prices, understand weights/product specifications, and basic math skills.
• Strong ability to manage an independent position without direct supervision, including but not limited to: initiative, self-motivation, assertiveness, proactive resolution of anticipated issues, quick response time, research & investigative skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly mobile position involving frequent driving in personal vehicle, regular walking/standing, lifting of product up to 40 lbs., and frequent use of hands to drive, complete paperwork, email, text, and move/lift files, catalogs, flyers, etc.
• Ability to frequently operate office software / equipment such as MS Office, Navision, voicemail, smartphone, copier, hand-held calculator, hand truck, etc.
• Maintain a current food handler’s permit and applicable food safety knowledge.
• Maintain valid driver’s license in the state of the territory and proof of current auto insurance.

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This compensation information is a good faith estimate and provided in accordance with Washington's state law. The annual salary is anticipated to start between $66,000 and $74,000, with the potential to earn additional bonuses throughout the year. The wage is determined based on the applicant's skills and experience. Other benefits as provided by the Peterson Company.