Protein Category Manager

Responsibilities Communication & Relationship Management Act as the main divisional liaison with category management, marketing, sales, and vendor partners.
Communicate division-specific KPIs, category performance insights, and market needs.
Build strong partnerships with sales and marketing through regular updates, ride-alongs, and cross-functional collaboration.
Provide timely product and vendor communications including new items, discontinuations, supply issues, and pricing changes.
Sales & Marketing Support Deliver actionable, relevant product insights to divisional sales and marketing teams.
Support execution of category initiatives, product life-cycle activities, and vendor strategies.
Provide analysis and resolution related to product inquiries or customer concerns.
Category Management Execute North American category strategies within the division.
Implement go-to-market plans tailored to divisional needs.
Support slot management, product sourcing, and division-wide merchandising activities.
Provide division-specific analytics and recommendations aimed at achieving sales, margin, and brand objectives.
Vendor & Broker Management Serve as the primary contact for regional supplier and broker partners.
Lead vendor/broker business reviews and align strategies to divisional goals.
Maintain vendor & broker activity in the CRM and monitor partnership performance.
Solicit internal feedback on broker engagement and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
Cost, Pricing & Supply Chain Support Provide divisional cost/price feedback to Category and Revenue Management.
Communicate supply chain disruptions and resolution plans to sales and marketing.
Support category teams in managing slot allocations and resolving aging inventory issues.
Continuous Learning & Market Expertise Maintain strong knowledge of market trends, category developments, and product innovations.
Leverage internal data, external insights, and customer feedback to guide decision-making.
Attend trainings, supplier visits, conferences, and seminars to enhance product and industry knowledge.
Canada-Specific: Centre of Plate (Protein) Responsibilities Execute protein sourcing plans to meet divisional sales, margin, and brand goals.
Maintain a competitive and relevant product portfolio using a mix of sourcing solutions (national partners, strategic alliances, specialty suppliers).
Manage high-risk inventory, large buys, and supplier negotiations in partnership with procurement and category management.
Lead full product life-cycle management for protein items, including sourcing, introductions, and discontinuations.