Product Category Specialist

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.•Carlstadt, NJ

2d•$68,700 - $80,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Category Specialist coordinates, develops, and evaluates product lines for the Product Management Division (PMD). The role includes purchasing food products and supplies, managing product and inventory purchasing and expediting, supporting contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. The specialist develops an understanding of customer needs and educates customers about company products and services to support sales growth. The position reports to the Manager and maintains daily contact with Sales personnel, Managers, Branch Managers, manufacturers, and vendors. The specialist works in a comfortable office environment and may work more than 40 hours per week to meet procurement deadlines. The role requires travel, including occasional visits to branch offices and client facilities; periodic international travel may also be required. It may involve lifting and carrying product samples 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, and 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 across air, rail, sea, and road, including cost-benefit analysis.
Knowledge of raw materials, production, quality control, cost optimization, and distribution.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including 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 current cost estimates, margins, and commission guidelines.
Develop private-brand products for the company.
Review pricing strategies and conduct periodic margin analyses to support profitability and market competitiveness.
Use market information and analysis to recommend product-offering adjustments to the Manager.
Identify and select vendors for company commodities based on price, quantity, quality, and contract administration; negotiate and renegotiate as needed.
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to assess reasonable prices and terms, and monitor compliance 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 those in Japan and China.
Monitor shipments for timely delivery and resolve issues involving undelivered goods.
Prepare and distribute complex and technical bids or 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 or office clerk, including 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 staff.
Travel to customer and prospective customer facilities to provide information and support.
Evaluate product performance against objectives such as sales forecasts, budgets, new accounts, and gross margins, 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.