JOB DESCRIPTION

Being a part of Ireland’s largest foodservice provider means joining a team that is passionate about the world of food and dedicated to the growth and support of the industry. Here at Sysco, our wide, national network aims to serve thousands of cafés, restaurants and bars throughout the country that make up our customers. 

Though we have always been a local organisation, being a part of Sysco means we retain an international focus that offers our employees the opportunities to learn, develop and pursue the career they have always wanted. 

Now, we’re looking for a Category Manager to join our team. This role will play a key part in the overall growth of the organisation along with helping to maintain our core ethos here are Sysco – keeping the customer at the heart of everything we do. 

Summary: 

This role is responsible for developing, delivering and refining a category strategy that supports the category role and delivers the companies stated financial budgets (e.g. range management including New Product Development, promotions, cross sell, direct to customer & pricing). They will also deliver excellent category insights of total performance vs LY & budget. 

The role requires a candidate who will take full end to end responsibility for the strategy of a product category from drafting the category roadmap, managing the vendor relationships, managing the product mix and Earned Income.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Deliver the fixed annual budgets planned on EI, JBPS, Promos & retro deals 
• Develop vendor relationships with a vision of partnership  
• Collaborate with QA, Technical & marketing team on the deployment of Sysco brands within own category & also cross category in order to enhance its value 
• Ensure performance of product range and take corrective actions when required 
• Manage NPD with merchandising specialists, development & technical teams  
• Review market trends and opportunities 
• Review competitor offerings 
• Access commercial performance of current range 
• Develop, issue and analyse category tenders to secure most competitive bids 
• Working with QA & Technical to ensure vendor reliability and compliance with requirements of our quality and CSR policies 
• Assess current pricing and margin performance 
• Represent Sysco Ireland and the Merchandising Team at Food Shows 
• Work with Sysco Europe, SMS International, IFG on other international projects 
• Primary contact for Heads of Sales / District Sales Managers 
• Develop appropriate promotional strategies to drive profitability 
• Develop Sysco Brand & deliver budgeted branding targets 

Requirements: 

•  Third Level Degree in a Business / Procurement / Food related discipline 
• High level of commercial expertise with 3-5 years relevant commercial procurement experience within the World Food market 
• Results-based with a demonstrated track record of applying financial, commercial or procurement skills to a range of business-related objectives, such as delivering cost savings or enhancing the quality of services provided to businesses 
• A proactive approach to problem solving and issue resolution. 
• Experience using consumer insights, competitive assessment, pricing, promotional planning and financial analysis.  
• Excellent PC and Microsoft Office skills including Excel to intermediate-advanced level is a minimum requirement 
• Advanced PowerPoint and experience presenting to large audiences 
• Full clean B driving license  
• The role will involve travel, so a degree of flexibility is required 

Core Competencies: 

•  Understanding Your Customers – acts as a role model in personal approach to internal and external customer goals. Takes time to understand the underlying needs of the stakeholders beyond those initially expressed.  
• Flexibility & Adaptability – Demonstrates understanding of how change impacts people. Anticipates resistance to change and works to support effective change initiatives. 
• Building Effective Relationships – Is a role model for maintaining constructive and effective relationships with others across departments and other boundaries. Demonstrates effective communication techniques and skills and is seen as a team player. 
• Communication & Listening – Exceptional communication skills – writes and speaks clearly in a variety of communication settlings and style.  
• Successfully delivers messages to all levels of the business and stakeholders achieving the desired effect.  

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are neither definitive nor restrictive and may change in detail from time-to-time to meet the changing needs of the business.

Sysco is an equal opportunity employer.