DescriptionThe RoleThe Produce Category Manager creates comprehensive category strategies to meet customer needs and organizational goals. Responsibilities include managing pricing, assortment, and selection for assigned categories, leading vendor negotiations, and providing thought leadership on trends and innovation. The position also focuses on driving a consumer-centric selling culture through Assortment, Site Planning, and Pricing activities. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success within a merchandising function, including product sourcing and selection, eCommerce site selling strategies, and the grocery supply chain, and is interested in joining a team of passionate food experts at FreshDirect.
What You'll Do- Responsible for producing a comprehensive and cohesive category strategy which successfully meets the needs of our customers and achieves category goals while supporting organizational business plans.
- Manages pricing for assigned categories.
- Manages assortment and selection for assigned categories (i.e. final approval for all assortment decisions).
- Conducts periodic category reviews in order to align category strategy with current customer and market trends.
- Leads vendor negotiation and develops effective, collaborative relationships.
- Drive the day-to-day activities of a selling organization culture with a consumer-centric focus through Assortment, Site Planning, and Pricing responsibilities.
- Establish base and promotional pricing for assigned categories that deliver on the FreshDirect strategy on-site and achieve targets for sales, gross margin and units.
- Manages performance for assigned category including Units per Order, Sales, Gross Margin, Average Order Size, and Shopper Marketing revenue.
- Responsible for all category financial & customer metrics.
- Responsible for procurement and replenishment (Fresh) and a key stakeholder in stock position at the shelf (Center Store), as measured by in-stock, inventory/days on hand, forecasting and seasonal impacts.
What You'll Bring- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- 5-8 years of progressive experience in Grocery Retail, eCommerce, Category Management, Merchandising, Buying, or a related industry.
- At least 3 years of experience merchandising within Produce.
- Demonstrated experience managing category performance, assortment planning, pricing strategies, and vendor relationships.
- Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Experience managing projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Strong understanding of category management principles, merchandising strategies, and retail economics.
- Ability to balance customer needs, operational requirements, and financial objectives.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead medium- to large-scale initiatives.
- Effective collaborator with outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Track record of identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Salary$90,000 - $106,000
Total Rewards & Benefits• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• PTO, Safe & Sick Time, and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Voluntary Disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer match and Life Insurance
• State-of-the-art Bronx campus with on-site basketball court, cafeteria, and employee market
• Onsite FREE parking
• FREE employee shuttle bus service from nearby Subway station
• Training, leadership development, and tuition discount at local colleges
• 20% employee discount on FreshDirect online orders and Brooklyn wine store
• Minimum 50% employee discount at our onsite employee market
• Mobile phone discounts through partnerships with T-Mobile and Verizon
• Gym membership discounts through NYSC
Our CultureWe embrace an in-office culture, composed of individuals who thrive on the collaboration and energy that comes from working together in a shared space. We are looking for people who excel in this environment, where physical presence enhances connections and engagement. At FreshDirect, we've created an environment that thrives on teamwork, where associates can innovate, grow, and have successful careers. Many of our leaders have successfully come up through our ranks. Because of our team's extraordinary efforts, we are a leading innovator in the e-commerce and grocery industries.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Team member(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this position. Position expectations may be subject to change as the needs of the organization changes.
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