Manager, Category (Fresh Seafood)

Hiring Manager
Director, Foodservice Sales
Position Type
Full Time
Location
All Units
Travel
20-30%
Department
Procurement
Job Type
Office/Field
Job PurposeThe Manager, Category (Fresh Seafood) is responsible for the strategic development, management, and profitability of the fresh seafood category across designated retail, foodservice, and wholesale accounts. This role develops category strategies, manages supplier relationships, drives sales growth, optimizes product assortment, analyzes market trends, and identifies opportunities to increase revenue and margin while meeting customer expectations and organizational objectives.The Fresh Seafood Category Manager serves as a subject matter expert on seafood products, market conditions, pricing trends, procurement strategies, and consumer preferences. Working closely with Sales, Purchasing, Operations, Marketing, and supplier partners, this position ensures the category remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with business goals.Essential FunctionsDevelop and execute category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and market share.Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and category performance through data-driven analysis and market insights.Build and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and agreements, and identify new sourcing opportunities.Monitor seafood market trends, costs, supply conditions, and competitive activity to support business decisions.Partner with Sales, Purchasing, and Operations to support customer growth, inventory optimization, and product availability.Support customer meetings, category reviews, promotional programs, and strategic business planning.Analyze sales, margin, inventory, and market data to identify risks, opportunities, and performance improvements.Develop reports, forecasts, and presentations to communicate category performance and recommendations.Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, sustainability, and quality standards.Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to resolve supply chain and product quality issues.Travel as required to supplier locations, industry events, customer meetings, and business units.Additional duties as required.Qualifications (Education, Experience)A combination of education and industry experience may be considered.5+ years of progressive experience in category management, seafood purchasing, sales, procurement, or product management.Experience within the seafood, food distribution, grocery retail, or foodservice industry preferred.Proven success managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.Experience analyzing market trends, financial performance, and category profitability.Strong understanding of fresh seafood products, sourcing practices, supply chains, and market dynamics.Advanced analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret sales, margin, and market data.Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, ERP systems, and category management tools.Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results across multiple functions.Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.Strong business acumen and customer-focused mindset.Key CompetenciesStrategic ThinkingCategory Management ExpertiseBusiness AcumenNegotiation & InfluencingData Analysis & InterpretationCustomer FocusRelationship BuildingFinancial ManagementProblem Solving & Decision MakingMarket AwarenessPlanning & OrganizationChange Agility
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