Category Product Manager- Deli/ Specialty Cheese

The Category Product Manager- Deli/ Specialty Cheese is responsible for driving sales and profit through category planning and execution of strategic product marketing plans, as well as gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the Category VP's vision and working closely with sales, procurement, and vendor partners to ensure customer satisfaction and corporate fiscal goals are met.

Responsibilities:

• Implementation of the shared category strategic vision

• Share in the responsibility of meeting budget requirements

• Manage key vendor relationships including but not limited to responding to customer request, vendor request, contract negotiations, pricing discrepancies, and troubleshooting any issues

• Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories and programs

• Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing and promotional activities

• Research and analyze data, market insights, and understand customer/consumer needs

• Responsible for SKU count and SKU profitability

• Introduces new products and programs to drive sales within the category

• Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Sales Team to execute strategies

Desired Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, or other related field preferred

• Ability to fluently speak, read and write English

• Three or more years' previous experience in brand, product, or category management; Deli and/or Specialty Cheese specifically

• In depth knowledge of marketing and sales operations and processes

• Hands on experience with analyzing big data and making forecast

• Analytical mind with strategic ability

• Ability to inject creativity, fresh thinking, and new perspectives and to generate new and imaginative ideas

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

• Strong verbal and written abilities

• Strong negotiation skills

• Ability to work effectively under pressure Ability to interact with multiple groups Multi-task oriented

• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office, Web Focus and Retalix-IDS System

Company Profile:

Lipari Foods is a regional full-line deli, bakery, packaging, and grocery distributor, headquartered in Warren, MI. We are a premier store distributor, delivering 37,000+ food and packaging products to 32 states and 14,000+ retail accounts. We operate several manufacturing facilities from a USDA fresh food plant to facilities specializing in jar goods, cheese and confections. We are in your communities providing food to your stores and feeding your families and neighbors. And we are growing. Fast. In fact, Lipari Foods was recently named by Crain's Business as one of the fastest growing companies in Michigan, and we're not just growing in Michigan!

We are looking for talent with a can-do mindset, focused on growing a career, and interested in working on a diverse, dedicated team to create something greater collectively. Together, we are delivering more than great food to build a better tomorrow.

Lipari Foods LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.