The Category Manager for Confections is focused upon leading the analysis, product selection, and selling of a specified category of products to align with current and future needs while championing the profitability of the category. The position requires a progressive thinker who can develop, guide, and own initiatives from start to finish.

The Category Manager Confections requires acute attention to detail and experience moving through demanding and competitive requirements that encompass outstanding communication and strategic thinking skills. The Category Manager role requires interaction with a broad range of Harbor Wholesale departments and supporting software programs to stay ahead of trends and drive the category to next level of growth effectively. 

*** This is a hybrid position requiring three (3) days onsite in Lacey, WA offices or Modesto, CA offices. Local residence applicants with current proximity to these locations. ***

Compensation: $78-100K base + DOE with bonus opportunity

Benefits Summary: Benefits for Harbor Team Members include vacation, sick time, personal floating holiday, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match and some great Harbor perks

Essential Job Functions:

• Formulate category business plans and implement tactics for product assortment, pricing, promotions, advertising, and logistics to meet all company sales and profit goals.
• Be Harbor’s champion in developing and executing outstanding programs to drive profitable growth across our Confectionary portfolio of products.
• Maintain and build an optimal assortment of items and total SKU count for three (3) distribution centers servicing six (6) states, to achieve category objectives and satisfy the diverse needs of our expansive customer base.
• Develop and foster strong vendor relationships to maximize opportunities, including negotiation of cost of goods, marketing support and rebates.
• Stay on the pulse of shifting consumer demands and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the industry by visiting our retailers, competition, tradeshows, and through studying industry data and news.
• Source product within category which will create value and excitement for our customers to in turn lead to profitable growth and competitive advantages for the company.
• Interact with sales and marketing team on product, promotional, and customer needs.
• Establish and maintain accurate pricing, margins, and deal setup in accordance with category objectives.
• Support buyers with direction on seasonal or promotional changes in demand, information about optimal purchase brackets, and inventory levels as necessary to meet margin, fill rate, and turn goals for each category.
• Complete trimester scheduled projects that are impactful and drive profitable growth for the category and company.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Category Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in judgment and decision making — considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions with acute attention to detail.
• Superior quantitative and analytical skills. The ability and desire to work and lead within a team setting, drive team results and enthusiastically lead change management within the organization.
• Possesses a high degree of motivation, the ability to prioritize and self-direct, strong business acumen and sound interpersonal skills. Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Superior negotiation skills, as well as excellent communication skills required. Demonstrates a commitment to utilizing the skills of influence, persuasion, and negotiation to achieve required goals.
• Knowledge of ERP systems or other similar scope of software/enterprise systems.
• Strategic understanding and skills contributing to sales and gross profit margin demonstrated by past employment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or experience in related field.
• Must have 2-5 years’ recent procurement management experience and a network within the wholesale/retail consumer product goods industry.
• Relevant product management experience in Category Management, advanced merchandising or buying preferably in relevant Confection product wholesale/retail/manufacturing environments will be preferred.

License and Certifications: ServSafe Certification preferred

Final candidates are required to successfully pass a drug/criminal background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status