Senior Manager Category Management

C.H. Robinson•Phoenix, AZ

21h•$103,700 - $175,000

About The Position

C.H. Robinson is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Manager Category Management to lead category strategy, supply planning, and growth initiatives within our Robinson Fresh business. In this role, you will drive innovation, manage key grower and customer relationships, and leverage your market expertise to optimize category performance and profitability. You will serve as the recognized category expert, influencing cross-functional teams while solving complex supply chain challenges and delivering best-in-class customer outcomes. In this role, you will lead and develop high-performing talent, foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and help shape the future of our fresh produce categories.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum 7 years buying and selling experience in fresh produce industry
Minimum 3 years of leading and managing team(s)
Ability to travel up to 50% (domestically and internationally)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
Experience across multiple categories or complex supply chains
Previous supervisory experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs
Recognized as a category expert in the industry
Solid financial acumen with deep knowledge of category financials
Excellent relationship building skills with customers, growers, and internal teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Skilled negotiator with growers and customers
Demonstrated ability to mentor, lead, and develop others
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make data-driven decisions
Strategic and innovative mindset, able to develop and drive initiatives from conception to implementation
Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, sometimes out of normal business hours
Attention to detail with high standards for work; a customer service mindset
Values a diverse and inclusive work environment

Responsibilities

Oversees the day-to-day management of the category, to include communication, execution, quoting and contract proposals, service level management (of customers and suppliers), and reporting
Leads innovation within the category, differentiating our offering through packaging, varietals, supply chain efficiencies, etc. to remain relevant and competitive in the marketplace
Leverages negotiation expertise on the buy and sell side to advise on transactional, promotional, and contract pricing decisions.
Manages the most strategic grower relationships, working to continually improve performance of the category through consistent cadence of grower reviews
Responsible to actively manage a pipeline of new grower/shipper prospects to onboard and customer targets identified in partnership with sales counterparts
Participates as the divisional category expert in the largest opportunity customer meetings
Consistently and effectively educates internal teams about all aspects of the category: varieties, seasonality, growing regions, farming practices and influence yields, quality, supply chain cost components, regulatory compliance, etc.
Develops the divisional strategy and supply plan to meet the requirements of the customer base and enable the growth and profitability in the category
Provides daily coaching and performance management. Outlines employee role accountabilities and expectations; manages performance to drive the right behaviors and improve results and provides useful real-time coaching, development activities and stretch assignments; supports employees with problem resolution
Other duties or responsibilities as assigned according to the team and/or country specific requirements
Partners with Talent Acquisition to establish a pipeline, recruit, select, and onboard qualified and diverse talent
Manages annual merit and equity programs for assigned team to align compensation with performance results
Outlines employee role accountabilities and expectations; manages performance to drive the right behaviors and improve results and provides useful real-time coaching, feedback, and mentoring, development activities and stretch assignments; supports employees with problem resolution
Encourages employee feedback through formal and informal channels. Work with next level manager to acknowledge and take action on feedback to drive a trusting culture of open two-way communication, inclusivity, collaboration and continuous improvement

Benefits

Three medical plans which include Prescription drug coverage
Enhanced Fertility benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
Dental and Vision
Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Paid observed holidays
2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees
Flexible Time Off (FTO) offered to U.S. salaried employees — no accruals and no caps. Paid Time Off (PTO) offered to all other employees in the U.S. and Canada
Paid parental leave
Paid time off to volunteer in your community
Charitable Giving Match Program
401(k) with 6% company matching
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities