Director Category Management

Title: Director of Category Management

Reports To: VP of Category Management

Department: Category Management

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

Location: Houston, TX

THIS IS NOT A FULLY REMOTE ROLE

Hybrid: work in office Mo/Tu/Th, remote option W/F (driven by the business calendar)

Position Summary

The Director of Category Management is responsible for developing business plans and program strategies for a portfolio of IMA exclusive brands and manufacturer brands that deliver value with quality. This position will lead and develop key customer relationships, identify business opportunities, and negotiate programs utilizing extensive knowledge of current market conditions and future trends in the foodservice distribution industry. Additionally, the Director of Category Management will search for and develop new foodservice suppliers, items, and category opportunities to drive growth and profitability for IMA’s Members.

Responsibilities

• Leads, coaches, and develops a team to deliver value added business solutions for IMA Members.
• Negotiates and leads RFPs and other business development programs to improve cost of goods while maintaining quality standards.
• Develops key Supplier and Member relationships to provide product knowledge, expertise, and recommendations to IMA Members for their area of responsibility.
• Manages the execution of strategic initiatives according to action plans, delegates responsibilities to team members as appropriate, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders leading change management related to initiatives, prepares status reports for leadership team meetings.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of category and industry trends.
• Optimizes sales strategies with suppliers for execution of RFPs, monitors success, and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Budgets and delivers financial objectives in sustainable manner for their area of business, including but not limited to service fees, marketing program fees, and net cost of goods improvement.
• Plans logistics strategy to leverage all available networks.
• Delivers the RFP timeline expectations.
• Some travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Expertise in building comprehensive business plans for products, categories and/or services.
• Analytical proficiency.
• Well organized with ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership experience.
• Integrity is part of their DNA.
• Excellent negotiation techniques.

Qualifications

• 10 years preferred, minimum 7 years of food service category management or applicable business-related experience.
• MBA preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.

IMA Foodservice