Category Director of Produce

Ferraro Foods of New Jersey LLC•Piscataway, NJ

17h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Director of Produce to lead the development, procurement, and merchandising of our fresh produce category. This role is responsible for shaping the direction of our produce offerings while ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, sustainability, and profitability. As a key member of the merchandising and procurement team, the Category Director of Produce will develop, execute, and maintain a comprehensive produce program aligned with market trends, customer demand, and company objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep produce industry expertise, strong supplier negotiation skills, and a passion for innovation within the fresh produce space.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, food science, or a related field preferred.
10+ years of experience in procurement, merchandising, or category management, with a strong focus on fresh produce.
Proven success in supplier negotiations and procurement strategy development.
In-depth knowledge of the produce industry, including sourcing, sustainability practices, and market trends.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed business decisions.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Passion for the food industry and commitment to delivering high-quality products.
Willingness to travel approximately 10–20% to other centers, sales meetings, and vendor events.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a comprehensive produce program across all categories, including fruits, vegetables, organic, and seasonal offerings.
Drive innovation and new product development focused on customer demand, sustainability initiatives, and emerging industry trends.
Ensure alignment with company goals and achievement of key performance metrics related to profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with produce suppliers and negotiate contracts that deliver optimal quality, pricing, and service.
Source sustainable, ethical, and high-quality produce in accordance with industry standards and company expectations.
Regularly evaluate supplier performance and ensure compliance with company, sustainability, and environmental standards.
Partner with merchandising, sales, and marketing teams to develop effective promotional and go-to-market strategies for produce products.
Lead pricing strategy development to ensure competitiveness while maintaining margin objectives.
Monitor and analyze category performance, adjusting strategies to optimize sales growth and profitability.
Stay current on produce industry trends, emerging products, and competitive activity.
Conduct market and consumer research to anticipate demand and identify growth opportunities.
Leverage data and insights to support strategic category decisions.
Ensure timely replenishment across all vendors.
Implement effective inventory control processes.
Manage lot tracking to support traceability and quality assurance.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer demand.
Collaborate with operations to manage inbound inventory efficiently.
Lead cross-functional collaboration across purchasing, merchandising, operations, sales, and marketing.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
Partner with other category leaders to align produce initiatives with broader company strategies.
Promote a strong sales-focused culture for produce across all centers.
Support the sales organization with relevant product insights and resources, including occasional attendance at regional sales meetings.