Category Manager, Produce at Home Chef

Chicago, Illinois, 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 and Beverage, Meal Kit Delivery, Grocery RetailIndustries

Requirements

Experience in category management, sourcing, or supplier management, particularly in fresh produce or perishable goods
Strong analytical skills for market research, pricing dynamics, RFPs, bid analyses, and cost optimization
Cross-functional collaboration experience with teams like Culinary, Quality, Procurement, Operations, and FSQA
Knowledge of supplier vetting, onboarding, KPI monitoring, and performance management
Ability to conduct supplier negotiations and manage relationships for long-term value
Familiarity with industry trends, seasonal availability, supply risk mitigation, and logistics
Mentoring and guidance skills for Buyers and Category Associates

Responsibilities

Own the produce category sourcing strategy, including cost management, supply assurance, and quality optimization
Lead supplier identification, vetting, and onboarding in collaboration with Food Safety, Quality, and Procurement Operations teams
Conduct market research and analysis to identify industry trends, seasonal availability, and pricing dynamics affecting produce supply
Develop and manage RFPs, bid analyses, and supplier negotiations to deliver competitive total cost of ownership and long-term value
Evaluate sourcing decisions based on supplier capability, risk, cost structure, and logistics alignment
Collaborate with Culinary and Product Development teams to support menu innovation, new product launches, and spec optimization
Serve as the primary contact for produce suppliers, managing relationships to ensure alignment with operational and quality expectations
Establish and monitor supplier KPIs, including on-time performance, quality adherence, and cost compliance
Lead regular business reviews with key suppliers to evaluate performance, resolve issues, and identify opportunities for improvement
Partner with Finance and Operations to validate pricing, volume forecasts, and cost changes
Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance through feedback, audits, and corrective action management
Participate in Produce Expo visits to collaborate with new and existing vendors
Partner closely with Culinary, FSQA, Operations, Procurement, and Distribution teams to ensure alignment between category strategy and execution
Collaborate with the Procurement team to resolve supply shortages, quality issues, or logistics disruptions at fulfillment centers
Work cross-functionally to develop produce handling, storage, and specification standards that improve product quality and shelf life
Support the forecasting and planning process by providing insight into seasonal trends, yield considerations, and market fluctuations
Provide guidance and mentorship to Buyers and Category Associates supporting the produce category
Foster collaboration across the broader Category Management and Procurement teams to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Category ManagementSourcing StrategySupplier ManagementCost ManagementSupply Chain AssuranceMarket ResearchMarket AnalysisFood SafetyProcurementVendor OnboardingCross-functional Collaboration

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary or compensation for the Category Manager, Produce role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this Category Manager, Produce position remote or office-based?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Category Manager, Produce role?

The role requires skills in category sourcing strategy, supplier management, market research and analysis, RFP development and negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration with teams like Culinary, Quality, and Operations.

What is the company culture like at Home Chef?

Home Chef values variety and uniqueness among employees, seeking humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on offerings, within a fantastic team environment.

What makes a strong candidate for the Category Manager, Produce position?

Strong candidates will have experience owning end-to-end category strategy, sourcing, and supplier management, particularly in fresh produce, with the ability to balance cost, quality, supply assurance, and cross-functional partnership.

Home Chef

Meal kit delivery service with fresh ingredients

About Home Chef

Home Chef provides a meal kit delivery service that sends fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes directly to customers' homes. This service is designed for busy individuals and families who want the convenience of home-cooked meals without the need for meal planning or grocery shopping. Customers subscribe to various meal plans that cater to their dietary preferences, receiving a weekly box with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparing meals. Home Chef stands out from competitors by offering a diverse menu that includes a wide range of meal options, ensuring there is something for everyone. The company's goal is to save time and reduce the stress of meal preparation while delivering high-quality ingredients and delicious recipes, making it easier for modern households to enjoy home-cooked meals.

Chicago, IllinoisHeadquarters

2013Year Founded

$55.4MTotal Funding

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Food & Agriculture, Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Health insurance

401(k) match

Casual wear

Weekly credit toward lunch provided

Produce and snacks

Employee discount

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Fun workspace

FSA

Flexible hours

Flexible PTO

Risks

Increased competition from new meal kit services like Gobble and EveryPlate threatens market share.

Environmental concerns over plastic packaging may lead to customer backlash.

Supply chain disruptions could affect ingredient availability and quality, impacting customer satisfaction.

Differentiation

Home Chef offers diverse meal plans catering to various dietary preferences and needs.

Partnerships with popular franchises like PAW Patrol and Bluey attract families and young audiences.

Sustainability initiatives, including food rescue programs, align with growing consumer eco-consciousness.

Upsides

Rising demand for meal kits with unique dietary options boosts Home Chef's menu expansion.

Collaborations with media franchises enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

Growing popularity of subscription services supports Home Chef's business model and customer retention.

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