Category Specialist (US - Remote)

Tradin Organic Agriculture•Aptos, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Category Specialist is responsible for procuring and selling designated products to internal and external customers. The role aims to generate income by executing purchasing and sales strategies while balancing risk and return. The specialist works closely with quality, logistics, and operations, monitors market fluctuations, and identifies new business opportunities. This is a remote position within the United States. The role manages assigned product categories, maintains inventory and product performance, builds supplier and customer partnerships, monitors markets, and ensures product and supplier compliance with company standards and customer expectations. It also involves resolving product issues, preparing reports, providing business insights, and contributing to special projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Requirements

Education or background in Business Management, Marketing, International Trade, or Agriculture.
Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a commercial environment.
Ability to independently manage a portfolio of high-priority customers and vendors.
Deep or broad knowledge of business processes related to the discipline, with the ability to anticipate developments and consequences.
Strategic focus and ability to work independently, support more junior colleagues, identify process bottlenecks, and provide solutions to issues.
Working knowledge of MS Office.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask, strong organizational and time-management skills, and ability to solve challenging problems.
High initiative, comfort working in ambiguous situations, and a customer-service mindset.

Nice To Haves

Business-to-business commercial experience and key account management.
Successful experience selling through a portfolio to existing customers.
Experience finding prospects, converting prospects into leads, and turning leads into business opportunities.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport with customers and develop durable relationships.

Responsibilities

Procure and manage assigned product categories, ensuring products meet specifications, contractual requirements, and cost objectives.
Maintain optimal inventory levels and monitor product group performance, recommending corrective actions as needed.
Build partnerships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to support business goals and operational excellence.
Monitor market trends, pricing movements, and industry developments to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
Ensure suppliers and products meet company quality standards, vendor approval requirements, and customer expectations.
Resolve product-related issues and customer complaints by coordinating solutions with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
Prepare reports, provide business insights, and support special projects and cross-functional initiatives.