The Category Manager for Foodservice 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. 

This role requires an 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 the vendor community, 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 position is hybrid with three(3) days onsite at Harbor's corporate offices in Lacey, WA or onsite at our California offices/Modesto, CA; two days remote.

Compensation:  $81,468 - $92,000 Annually DOE + bonus

Benefits Summary:  Benefits for Harbor Team Members include PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Formulate category business plan and implement tactics for product assortment, pricing, promotions,  advertising, and logistics to maximize sales and profitability.
• 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.
• Be Harbor’s champion in developing and executing outstanding programs to drive profitable growth across our Foodservice portfolio of products. This includes collaborative guidance and focus on our internal QSR solutions which include but are not limited to Mein St., Skipper’s, Skratch, Mexigo, and Via Vita Pizza.
• Build Harbor’s profitability by harnessing the power of our Private brands (IMA) by building scale and reach of these products.
• 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.
• Collaborate with Food Service Developers and our marketing team regarding product, promotional, and customer needs.
• Be an expert in Food Service that can communicate that expertise in a practical form to the sales team to help impact our customers.
• Secure an in-depth knowledge of the industry by visiting our retailers, competition, tradeshows, and through studying industry data and news.
• 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 projects that are impactful and drive profitable growth for the category and company.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Skilled in judgment and decision making — considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions with an 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’ 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.