Area Category Operations Manager - Cookeville Area at US Foods

Cookeville, Tennessee, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Food Distribution, Supply ChainIndustries

Requirements

Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience
Minimum 7 years category management experience, with some project management experience preferred, ideally from the food service or food manufacturing industries
Ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups
Ability to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations, and support change management
Ability to provide fact-based recommendations across various management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance
Self-directed and highly motivated, with strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; working knowledge of PowerPoint required, working knowledge of Microsoft Access a plus

Responsibilities

Develop implementation plan for category strategy customized for multiple Distribution Centers, ensuring alignment with overall US Foods category strategy, goals, and Area needs
Review assigned Area product assortment, gauge product penetration, note slow or dead SKUs, and identify growth opportunities
Drive profitable sales growth within assigned categories for the Area
Request exception SKUs as needed, finalize Area assortment, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans
Ensure Area product assortment aligns with US Foods category strategy and reduce SKU duplication
Meet all local customer needs while aligning with national strategies
Gather local market data (including trends) for multiple DCs from culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners; report new product opportunities and competitor data
Finalize Area assortment, core complement, and exception SKUs
Facilitate product training and new product introductions with DSS, Specialists, and sales staff
Ensure product/brand messaging aligns with overall USF strategy
Work closely with the culinary team, conducting planning meetings to identify accounts, categories, and opportunities
Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area and collaborate with Region team on vendor issues
Support major Area-specific account bids through analysis, coordinate customer on-boarding, and inform sales staff of category strategy
Support and execute implementation of US Foods division category strategy across the defined Area
Execute recommended assortment changes and support positive local vendor relationships for all DCs in the Area
Support Area and DC sales staff with product assortment updates, informational inquiries, and merchandising goals

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

category strategyproduct assortmentvendor managementsales growthmarket analysisSKU managementproduct trainingdistribution centersmerchandisingcustomer requirements

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this role remote or in-person?

This role is in-person and not remote, based at 535 Dry Valley Rd, Cookeville, TN 38506.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, with some flexibility.

What education and experience are required for this role?

A four-year college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required, along with a minimum of 7 years of category management experience.

Does this position involve any supervision or direct reports?

No, this role has no supervision responsibilities or direct reports.

What salary or compensation does this role offer?

This information is not specified in the job description.

US Foods

Food distribution for restaurants and healthcare

About US Foods

US Foods is a leading food distributor in America, providing a wide range of food products and services to restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other food service operators. The company offers over 350,000 products, including fresh produce and culinary equipment, and operates by purchasing food in bulk and selling it to clients while also offering services like culinary expertise and business consulting. With a strong logistics network that ensures timely deliveries, US Foods also supports clients with solutions like the "Make It Now" platform during challenging times. Additionally, the company is committed to social responsibility, having donated over $32 million in food and supplies for hunger relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosemont, IllinoisHeadquarters

1853Year Founded

$340.5KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Food & Agriculture, ConsultingIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Life Insurance

Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Potential E. coli contamination from Taylor Farms onions could harm US Foods' reputation.

$500 million senior notes issuance increases financial risk if debt obligations aren't met.

Expansion in Buda involves significant capital investment, risking financial strain.

Differentiation

US Foods offers over 350,000 diverse products to meet varied customer needs.

The 'Make It Now' platform aids clients in recovery and reopening efforts.

US Foods provides value-added services like culinary expertise and business consulting.

Upsides

Expansion in Buda, Texas, will create 165 new jobs by December 2026.

Flexible scheduling and seven-day delivery model enhance customer service.

Advancements in cold chain logistics improve perishable food distribution efficiency.

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