Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and commercially driven

Head of Category

to lead the overall product category strategy within our food distribution business. This leadership role is responsible for maximizing sales, profitability, and market share across multiple product categories. The ideal candidate will bring deep industry knowledge, strong analytical capabilities, and proven experience in category management, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement long-term strategies across all food categories to drive business growth and customer satisfaction. Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitive data to shape category plans. Identify growth opportunities through new product introductions, assortment optimization, and pricing strategies. Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate terms to ensure product availability, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Evaluate vendor performance and align sourcing with strategic goals. Oversee category assortment planning, ensuring relevance, variety, and profitability. Collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams to execute product launches, in-store promotions, and seasonal strategies. Work closely with supply chain and operations teams to ensure efficient inventory management and accurate demand forecasting. Minimize stockouts and overstock by optimizing replenishment processes. Lead and mentor category managers and assistants across various food segments. Work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, operations, and finance to deliver cohesive category initiatives. Track category KPIs including sales, margin, turnover, and customer satisfaction. Adjust strategies and tactics to meet financial and operational targets.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or related field (MBA preferred). 7+ years of experience in category management or buying within food distribution or FMCG. Strong leadership and negotiation skills. Excellent analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making. Experience working with retail or wholesale channels is a plus.
Job Type: Full-time