1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Job Description
Job Title: Category Merchandising Director – Centre of Plate
Location: Ashford (Hybrid Working)
Reporting to the Sysco GB Merchandising Director, the Category Merchandising Director is responsible for driving the Merchandising strategy for the Centre of Plate category, leading across strategic sourcing, supplier management, quality assurance, pricing, and category management. Developing and maintaining key external relationships across customers, suppliers, and industry.
You’ll lead a high-performing team to meet Sysco’s strategic objectives and KPIs, delivering success for our customers and suppliers through industry-leading people, products, and solutions.
Role Accountabilities
* Contribute to Fresh proposition transformation through M&A integration and organic growth. Circa $400m per annum Meat & Poultry value under trade.
* Sit on Merchandising Leadership team and lead broader Sysco initiatives outside of the COP business unit.
* Challenge existing ways of working & end-to-end supply chains to deliver a seamless customer experience.
* Drive Category Growth for the Centre of Plate business unit across Sysco GB, covering meat, poultry, fish & seafood, and meal solutions through a diverse customer base from large corporate to small independent foodservice businesses.
* Lead and promote the 6-step category management process to support sales and share of wallet growth.
* Lead a high-performing team of up to circa 15 colleagues covering buying, category management, product development, and administration.
* Collaborate with supplier partnerships to develop sustainable and profitable relationships.
* Develop an industry-leading, carefully curated range to improve depot efficiency & drive sales and value for our customers.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Competencies
You’ll hold extensive experience in category management, product management, or merchandising within the CPG, retail, or foodservice industry. Experience managing sourcing or category strategies across multiple markets, with an understanding of regional legal and commercial differences, including sustainability, provenance, and animal welfare, is essential.
Proven experience leading change initiatives and supporting colleagues within a dynamic environment, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, build capability, and create a high-performance culture. Extensive negotiation and influencing experience within a buying, sourcing, or similar role, using data and tools to support and lead a team to drive category performance. Strong commercial acumen with a track record of applying financial, commercial, or procurement skills to objectives like cost savings or quality enhancement.
Strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to build future-proofed sourcing strategies considering complex needs of multiple markets. Strong analytical skills to interpret market trends, inflation/deflation, and supply chain risks, translating them into proactive strategies. Effective communication and influencing skills to align with internal stakeholders (e.g., commercial, insights, supply chain) and external partners (e.g., suppliers, global OpCos).
#J-18808-Ljbffr