Procurement Category Manager

Company Description

South Florida Produce is a rapidly growing wholesale produce distributor based in Immokalee, FL.. We specialize in the import/export and distribution of perishable produce, dairy, and value-added products throughout the Southeast. We believe in offering our associates with the opportunity to grow and excel both personally and professionally, which ultimately contributes to the overall success of our growing Company. 

Role Description

An experienced Category Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of FOB and delivered procurement in the categories in which they manage. This includes open market procurement, contract negotiation, and the development of programs from all growing regions domestically and internationally. This position is responsible to remain in tune with growing region conditions, USDA market reports, seasonality of products, availability of products, challenges in the field, and market trends. The success of the individual in this position depends ones ability to cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships with direct grower/shipper partners.

The Category Manager should be familiar with various produce specs, grades, sizes, and USDA grading standards. This position requires an analytical thinker who can analyze trends, demands, and can critically problem solve from time to time.  Contract and open market negotiating, sourcing, and procurement of fresh produce, food products, and other products is a must.

This is a full-time hybrid role for a Procurement Category Manager at South Florida Produce, located in Immokalee, FL, with flexibility for remote work. The Procurement Category Manager will be responsible for supplier relationship management, category management, supplier evaluation, supplier management, and supplier negotiation on a day-to-day basis.

Responsibilities

• Establishes, grows, and maintains relationships with grower/shipper partners across the various growing regions to ensure the Company is in the right pile at the right time, and is well connected through bird dog reports or industry information sources
• Establishes and maintains order policies and lead times for products, and request pricing quotes from suppliers to determine the best supply source.
• Oversees an effective and efficient open communication with transportation on inbound load scheduling, pickups, and stops; to ensure that loads are coordinated in an efficient and cost-effective manner – minimizing stops and delays at FOB shipping point
• Demonstrates effective collaboration skills through open communication and sharing pertinent business information with their team of buyers and support staff
• Ability to anticipate potential problems and risks, and generates ideas, insight, and solutions to resolve problems and mitigate risks before they happen
• Analyzes supplier performance and negotiates lead time reduction and/or stocking programs with suppliers to reduce inventory burden
• Instills a sense of urgency in the team to ensure we keep up with industry trends, demand changes, pricing fluctuations, and utilization of problem solving skills to critically think and solve everyday challenges
• Manages item shrink, service level, and turn parameters to ensure quality products are in the slots to ship to our customers.
• Manages dumps/losses of product within company established metrics and benchmarks
• Ensures acceptable service level minimums are met on all products purchased. Current service level bench mark is 98.5% or better. 
• Responsible for managing buyers margin on all applicable items within benchmarked parameters
• Other duties may be assigned when needed

Qualifications

• Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Negotiation skills
• Category Management and Supplier Evaluation skills
• Experience in Supplier Management
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience in the agriculture or food industry is a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field