We have a unique job opportunity for you as a Category Leader in Boston, MA.
What a difference.
Hawaiian shirts to work? Definitely more comfortable than a business suit. And that'll be your dress code at Trader Joe's. Say goodbye to the same old, same old. Say hi to Trader Joe's. Your favorite neighborhood grocery store - born in Southern California and now operating over 400 stores from coast to coast.
Create the fun.
Trader Joe's, your unique grocery store, is looking for a produce expert and true foodie (AKA Category Leader) who is looking to do what they love - create incredible tastes for others to enjoy! Are you the person your friends turn to for their food and drink recommendations? Do you have a passion for produce? Do you have experience in buying, procurement and negotiations? If so, read on! We might have the role of a lifetime for you!
No bureaucracy.
Trader Joe's is unlike any other place you've ever worked. Trust us on that. The Category Leader position is not for everyone, and we're looking for only the most experienced and innovative candidates.
The qualified Category Leader has at least three years of related experience and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. A Bachelor's degree is required. Previous produce experience highly desired. The position is based in our office in Boston, MA. That said, this is what our food lovers should possess:
- Buying, procurement and negotiation experience.
- Specific experience in produce
- Experience developing plans, programs, or products - examples of being involved in the creative process and seeing that process through all stages of execution.
- Vendor management and negotiation skills.
- Food-related experience (restaurant, hobby, culinary school, etc.).
- A passion for food!
We expect a lot. But we give a lot, too.
Prepare yourself for a challenging role and intense workload in this exhilarating retail buying career. The Category Leader:
- Creates the signature TJ’s products, working from the field to the fridge developing products to fill shopping baskets.
- Leads a focused team to achieve category-specific goals.
- Makes the imagined real: takes an idea and turns it into a product on the shelf.
- Sets the course for a given product category, taking the business to new heights.
- Is a student of the business of food, watching trends (emerging, existing, and waning).
- Is out in the field visiting growers, producers, and manufacturers to see firsthand what goes into our products.
- Travels the world in search of great stuff: from Barstow to Berlin to Bangkok.
The Category Leader is:
- Energetic and adventurous.
- Open and approachable.
- Flexible.
- Curious and inquisitive by nature.
- Decisive.
- Creative and purpose-driven, able to execute ideas.
- Self-guided and able to prioritize.
- Willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Get in touch.
We get a lot of resumes; so to help us get to know you better, please follow these important instructions. To apply, please submit your résumé, salary history, and cover letter. When creating your cover letter, please answer these questions. We look forward to meeting you!
1. What is your favorite Trader Joe's product and why?
2. If you could change one thing about Trader Joe's, what would it be?
3. Do you have at least a Bachelors Degree? What other degrees or educational programs have you completed?
4. If you were developing products for TJ's, what would your first creation be?
5. What's your favorite cuisine and why?
6. What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
Those who meet our current criteria, and WOW us with their cover letter, will be contacted soon (typically within a few weeks). Thanks for listening!
