Product Category Specialist

Wismettac Asian Foods•Carlstadt, NJ

About The Position

The Product Category Specialist coordinates, develops, and evaluates product lines for the Product Management Division (PMD), including purchasing food products and supplies. The role reports to the Manager and maintains daily contact with Sales personnel, Managers, Branch Managers, Manufacturers, and Vendors. It supports product and inventory purchasing and expediting, contract negotiations, and compliance with government regulations. The Specialist also develops an understanding of customer needs and educates customers about company products and services to support sales growth. The role manages assigned category sales and gross profit, develops pricing and private-brand products, evaluates market and purchasing trends, and recommends changes to product offerings. It works with vendors, branches, customers, and company staff on procurement, product education, sales activities, bids, reporting, and product performance. Travel to customer and potential customer facilities is required, with occasional branch visits and periodic international travel potentially needed. The position is performed in a comfortable office environment. Work may exceed the standard 40-hour week to meet procurement deadlines. The role may involve lifting and carrying sample products weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, economics, or a related field.
Three years of experience in the diverse food industry in a buyer, purchaser, or sales role.
Strong background in food purchasing and cost analysis.
Experience using computers, including Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Oracle ERP software.
Comprehensive knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production methods, and team coordination.
Proficiency in product and service promotion and sales techniques.
Understanding of transportation principles and methods, including air, rail, sea, and road transportation, and cost-benefit analysis.
Knowledge of raw materials, production, quality control, cost optimization, and distribution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, and Oracle ERP software.
Ability to multitask and manage concurrent projects.
Business analysis experience focused on identifying and recommending process improvements.
Strong active listening skills, including the ability to comprehend, clarify, and respond appropriately.
Logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate options and approaches.
Effective communication skills.
Advanced problem-solving and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify complex issues, evaluate solutions, and conduct cost-benefit analyses.
Ability to create bids, proposals, and reports, and strong comprehension of spoken information.
Ability to travel on short notice.
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
Demonstrated self-confidence, maturity, and a positive work ethic.
Outgoing, courteous, and approachable demeanor.

Responsibilities

Procure products, components, and services according to established policies, controls, and company practices.
Develop product pricing structures with the Product Category Assistant Manager or Manager using cost estimates, margins, and commission guidelines.
Develop private-brand products for the company.
Review pricing strategies for profitability and market competitiveness and perform periodic margin analyses.
Use market information and analysis to recommend product offering adjustments to the Manager.
Identify and select vendors based on price, quantity, quality, and contract administration; negotiate or renegotiate prices.
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonable prices and acceptable terms.
Monitor and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Gather, monitor, and forecast marketing and sales trends for customers, competitors, and market conditions through sales shadowing.
Manage sales and gross-profit figures for assigned categories.
Prepare and submit reports to department managers, branch managers, and company affiliates, including affiliates in Japan and China.
Monitor shipments for timely delivery and resolve issues involving undelivered goods.
Prepare and distribute complex or technical bids and requests for proposals; receive and analyze bids, quotes, and proposals; and award contracts according to the company approval process.
Track purchases, monitor vendor quality, and maintain a current vendor information database.
Assist in managing the Product Category Assistant and office clerk schedules and assignments.
Collaborate with branches to increase market share through product education, sales skills training, and joint sales activities.
Communicate new product and service opportunities, information, and field activity feedback to relevant company staff.
Travel to customer and prospective customer facilities to provide information and support.
Evaluate product performance against sales forecasts, budgets, new accounts, and gross-margin objectives, and take action to improve or develop products.
Evaluate and analyze purchasing and price trends to forecast demand and minimize purchasing costs.
Perform other duties assigned by PMD management.