Fresh Category Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Fresh Category Manager to lead and optimize our fresh food category, encompassing fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing procurement, and driving sales and profitability through data-driven insights and innovative approaches. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in fresh food category management, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Procurement: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies and procurement plans to ensure a diverse, high-quality, and competitively priced fresh product assortment. Align procurement activities with market demand and business objectives.
• Market & Consumer Insights: Conduct thorough market trend analysis, assess consumer preferences, and evaluate competitive landscapes to optimize product selection, pricing, and promotional strategies. Leverage data analytics to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within the fresh category.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, including supplier relationship management, procurement negotiations, cost control, and channel optimization. Ensure seamless product flow from sourcing to delivery while maintaining stringent quality and freshness standards.
• Inventory & Waste Management: Monitor inventory levels, track product turnover, and implement strategies to enhance inventory efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize sales potential. Develop and execute promotional campaigns to drive demand and improve turnover rates.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with procurement, logistics, marketing, and sales teams to align on business goals, ensure product availability, and execute cohesive strategies that enhance brand positioning and customer satisfaction.
• Regulatory Compliance & Industry Trends: Stay abreast of industry regulations, market trends, and emerging technologies to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement in procurement and operational processes. Proactively adapt strategies to align with evolving business and consumer needs.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of category specialists. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence through training, performance management, and strategic guidance.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, supply chain management, food science, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant disciplines are a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain within the fresh food industry. Prior experience in retail, e-commerce, quick commerce (Q-commerce), supermarkets, or hypermarkets is highly preferred.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of fresh food category dynamics, supply chain systems, and procurement best practices. Familiarity with market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis in the fresh food sector.
• Core Competencies:
  • Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and data interpretation skills to drive informed decision-making.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
  • Proven leadership and team management experience, with a focus on talent development and performance optimization.
  • High level of accountability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
  • Strategic business acumen with a forward-thinking and innovative mindset to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Why Join Us?

As a Fresh Category Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our fresh food category and driving sustainable business growth. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives, expand your global perspective, and contribute to the success of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for fresh food innovation and operational excellence, we invite you to apply and make a lasting impact.