Position DescriptionThe Category Manager for Juices will strategically source, purchase and manage the supply of raw materials through a carefully evaluated, competent supply base, ensuring that quality, service, cost, terms and conditions are optimized to provide Refresco with a commercial advantage. This role will coordinate the activities required to meet the company quality standards and focus on continuous improvement while contributing to the company's strategy and demonstrating the company values and behaviors.
Essential Functions- Identify and select strategic suppliers to procure juice concentrates from while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
- Continuous monitoring of fruit and vegetable markets and crop seasonality to react quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected market conditions.
- Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers (Sales, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Procurement Finance)
- Provide regular commodity updates for the sales team.
- Develop sourcing plans for assigned juice sub-categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers and meet internal customer requirements.
- Review, negotiate, and execute the implementation of contractual arrangements per Refresco policy and business objectives.
- Manage new project launches and source new juice concentrates as required.
- Track and monitor consumption & demand to ensure adequate volumes are contracted to meet production demands.
- Prepare annual budget for appropriate commodities.
- Generate cost savings opportunities throughout the raw material supply chain.
- This position will report to the Director, Procurement - North America
RequirementsEducation & Preferred Experience:
- Identify and select strategic suppliers to procure juice concentrates from while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
- Continuous monitoring of fruit and vegetable markets and crop seasonality to react quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected market conditions.
- Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers (Sales, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Procurement Finance)
- Provide regular commodity updates for the sales team.
- Develop sourcing plans for assigned juice sub-categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers and meet internal customer requirements.
- Review, negotiate, and execute the implementation of contractual arrangements per Refresco policy and business objectives.
- Manage new project launches and source new juice concentrates as required.
- Track and monitor consumption & demand to ensure adequate volumes are contracted to meet production demands.
- Prepare annual budget for appropriate commodities.
- Generate cost savings opportunities throughout the raw material supply chain.
- This position will report to the Director, Procurement - North America
Position-specific skills:
- Creative Thinking: able to think creatively, generating new ideas and approaches to situations.
- Strategic Thinking: able to grasp the big picture and think long-term.
- Attention to Detail: highly attentive to details, change and what factors influence change.
- Assertiveness: able to defend a point of view and to confront others appropriately when necessary;
- Self-Motivation/Time Management: able to determine and prioritize tasks with minimal direction.
- Negotiation Skill: skilled in negotiating, effective in utilizing analysis and creative solutions to extract the greatest value for the company.
- Software Skill: Microsoft Excel proficiency is mandatory, as well as adeptness in PowerPoint and Word. SAP knowledge a plus.
- Written Communication: a good writer; expresses ideas and positions clearly. Ability to compose concise, simplified written descriptions of complex issues, supported by detailed analysis.
This role offers direct exposure to global agricultural commodity markets and provides an opportunity to influence sourcing strategies across one of North America's largest beverage manufacturing networks.
Working Conditions:- Corporate Office Environment
- Based in Bentonville, AR, Tampa, FL, Columbus, GA, or Dunkirk, NY
- Ability to travel 10-25% for quarterly visits if required
- Physical - Continuously sitting for prolonged periods using a computer.
- Visual/Sensory - This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Work environment - Work and environment are fast-paced, requiring the ability to remain focused under pressure. Attention must be concentrated in the face of numerous changing stimuli.
Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include: - Medical/dental/vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Well-being benefits
- Discount programs
