JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Category Manager
DEPARTMENT: Category Development
REPORTS TO: Category Development Director
LOCATION: Northeastern States
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; Year-round
PAY STATUS: Exempt (Administrative Payroll)
DATE: August 1, 2010

JOB SUMMARY:
• The Category Manager works with the Category Managed accounts to grow Driscoll’s berry category sales (unit movement, revenues, and gross profits) through effective analysis and strategy planning to develop win-win solutions for both Driscoll’s and our distribution partners.

• The Category Manager’s focus is to create & execute account goals that support Driscoll’s strategic plan and provide the best return on investment for our Growers, the Category Managed Accounts and Driscoll’s.

• This position is responsible for the following:
o Communicating, planning, analyzing and reporting tactical projects from concept development through implementation
o Executing Driscoll’s Category Management programs
o Working individually but also within a team environment
o Building Driscoll’s brand recognition through the category management initiative
o Working cross functionally within Driscoll’s to develop marketing and product procurement programs
o Analyzing demand forecasts and identifying innovative packaging and account-specific marketing opportunities to support the Category Managed Accounts.
o Maintaining a thorough understanding of the market place and especially that of the accounts they are assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Requires ability and experience to successfully: interact with people, exchange information, negotiate, present, persuade, problem solve, analyze data, sell and work effectively to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Requires physical ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Travel up to 60% of the time required via air and ground. Must perform work in a wide variety of client or industry sites including: hotel rooms, airports, warehouses, retail locations, conventions and trade shows, etc.

• Evening and weekend work required as it pertains to meeting customer needs and deadlines

• Requires expert written and verbal communication skills.

• Must possess math skills commensurate with the ability to read and understand statistics, budget documents and interpret market research reports.

• Requires a college degree and 2-4 years general business experience including 1-2 years in the retail grocery/produce area and/or 4-6 years in direct field sales, or equivalent.

• Requires strong computer skills, office equipment operation, extensive experience with the use of Microsoft Office products and the willingness and ability to learn new software programs.

• Must have a valid US driver's license and maintain eligibility for a US Passport and vehicle insurance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze and prepare annual and quarterly category plans, using a collection of analytical tools, with a focus on implementation of agreed upon strategic objectives and tactical projects that will increase customer profitability and product movement. Analysis and planning will make up an estimated 50% of the Category Manager’s time.

• Implement and execute the Category Management program to ensure realization of the program’s maximum potential, including: data analysis, category planning, in-store execution and account management.

• Collaborate with colleagues throughout the organization including Sales, Marketing, Product Business Management, Packaging, Product Quality, and Logistics/Distribution to accomplish program needs and provide functional expert alignment.

• Lead cross-functional teams to support the assigned Category Managed accounts throughout the full distribution chain. This includes leading dedicated members from Sales, Marketing, Product Quality, and Logistics (primarily) to propose and implement strategies that positively impact the supply chain, creating win-win solutions for Driscoll’s and our Category Managed accounts.

• Facilitate both internal and external communication of Category Development initiatives including building and maintaining website content specific to the program (category managers SharePoint site and Driscoll’s Berrynet), regular reporting of Driscoll’s Category Development partners’ YTD performance, and any public relations opportunities.

• Interacts with industry representatives to ensure smooth and efficient product delivery. Works with Driscoll’s Market Group to design and implement sales and marketing strategies. Has limited responsibility for planning and managing assigned account budgets in support of the respective Category Plans.

• Directs the design and implementation of tactical projects as identified in the respective category plans. Such projects may include customized in-store execution and merchandising programs, promotions, store-level implementation of proposed tests, etc.

• Negotiates terms with outside vendors and resources on creative concepts and required materials to complete projects.

• Works with account representatives to identify potential opportunities to both build Brand Driscoll’s share of the berry category as well as grow the category itself. Keep customers informed regarding overall berry category including, but not limited to, opportunity gaps, in-store merchandising recommendations, and procurement opportunities.

• Collects and shares marketplace and competitive information through analysis of data as well as in-market visits. Uses this information to the benefit of Driscoll’s and the Category Managed accounts.

• Performs a variety of administrative duties including written reports and analysis as needed. Must be capable of performing a number of computer-related activities, spreadsheets, quality audits and presentations.

• Plans and participates in our Category Management team meetings as well as company meetings. Also represents Driscoll’s at industry events.

• Responsible for maintaining confidential and sensitive files.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job’s responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for the company.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor.