Area Category Operations Manager- Dairy

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BASIC PURPOSE
Support and execute the implementation of US Foods division category strategy across the defined Area. Execute recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs within the defined Area. Support Area and DC sales staff with product assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of merchandising goals for all DCs within that Area. Support all local customer requirements within the defined Area keeping in line with the national strategies coming from the Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In coordination with Regional Team, develop implementation plan for dairy category and operational strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers. Ensure implementation is in alignment with overall US Foods category strategy and goals, as defined by Region & Area. Effectively work with Regional Director and Sourcing Team to execute the National, Regional and Market initiatives to grow cases and increase profitability. Responsible to report weekly and monthly on key metrics that impact the financial performance of the Area.

Responsible for Area product assortment. Review assortment and gauge product penetration, noting slow or dead SKUs. Request exception SKUs, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans. Ensure Area product assortment is in alignment with US Foods category strategy and work to reduce SKU duplication. Responsible for gathering local market data (including trends) through feedback and intelligence from culinary team, sales staff, specialists, and vendor partners. Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Align Rosemont pricing recommendations and market intelligence with Area strategy in partnership with Area Pricing manager. Responsible for managing the quality assurance team to ensure Produce quality, by maintaining load quality integrity, conducting quality inspections and providing feedback to vendors. Partner with Operations to develop produce strategy that ensure quality and integrity. Ensure weekly communication with Specialists, Sellers, and QA. Facilitate product training and new product introductions, with DSS, ASM, Specialists and sales staff. Ensure product/brand message is in alignment with overall USF strategy. Work closely with the ASM, Specialist, and culinary team, conducting planning meetings to identify accounts and categories and their potential opportunities. Work with sellers and specialists to develop customer programs. Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and work closely with the Region team on any national or regional vendor issues. Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer on-boarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS Education/Training:

Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required.

Related Experience:

Minimum 7 years category management experience required, with some project management experience preferred, ideally this experience will derive from the food service or food manufacturing industries.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups. Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance. Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint is required.

EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status