Dandrea Produce was established in 1917 as a local farming operation in Vineland, New Jersey. We have since evolved into a major grower-distributor business with over 100 employees. We are now a fourth generation family-owned company dedicated to the year-round supply of the highest quality produce.
Dandrea offers services throughout the fresh supply chain including: cold storage, QC reporting, repack, custom packing, and local / pier freight.
The Category Manager is responsible for the procurement of assigned produce commodities ensuring effective inventory management and product quality while improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of the company. This position supports the procurement department and is responsible for purchasing, receiving, and issuing the procurement documents to growers, wholesalers, and shippers in accordance with established process and procedures to effectively allocate and track inventory and reordering and to ensure the stocked items are properly available when needed.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, document and implement processes and procedures for inventory planning and procurement of assigned produce commodities.
- Identify suppliers, comparing prices, specifications, terms and delivery dates to determine the optimum one to utilize.
- Respond to internal and supplier inquiries, reviewing metrics, product specifications, business plans, management reports, contracts, and approve appropriate requisitions.
- Establish procurement strategies for procurement, receiving and tracking of produce items with senior management that optimizes quality, cost, and timely delivery critieria
- Work collaboratively with senior management to coordinate supplier selection, credit and terms, track supplier performance standards, and conduct ongoing evaluation.
- Manages the forecasting, planning and procurement activities for all supplies and related support accessories.
- Work closely with senior management to ensure availability target and inventory target levels are achieved and maintained.
- Analyze current inventory and work with senior management to generate programs to reduce excess inventory levels.
- Regularly communicate with Production Manager and Warehouse Manager on key issues/concerns related to companies sales and profit objectives.
MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works with 3rd party vendors and brokers to develop and implement process and procedures for inventory buy back/sell-off opportunities.
- Determine proper storage methods, identification, and stock location based on turnover, environmental factors, and physical capabilities of facilities.
- Direct, develop an motivate staff to achieve departmental objectives.
- Participates in management meetings and communicates with management personnel regarding facility's Food Safety Management Program and Sanitation policies.
- Active member and participant of the Food Safety Committee meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB:
Education:
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Experience:
- 5 years procurement experience
Other:
- Excellent leadership skills, including the abilities to set goals, motivate and manage conflict
- Effective communication skills, including writing, speaking and active listening
- Great interpersonal skills
- Good project management skills, including strong decision-making, problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
- Exceptional time management and organization skills
- In-depth understanding of industry and company best practices
- Familiarity with inventory control practices and logistics
- Comfortable using inventory management software and other organizational computer applications
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Math skills
- Computer Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Analytical Skills
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.
