Would you like to work for a company that still has a “family” atmosphere and where the employees are the greatest asset to the company?
Are you a highly independent person? Do you actively seek out problems to solve? Do you have a knack for knowing what is important? Are you honest and ethical?
If so, you may be the perfect candidate for our Procurement Category Manager position. Come be a part of an extraordinary team at The International Companies! Excellent benefits and competitive pay are just a few of the reasons to consider our opportunity.
Who We are:
The International Companies (TIC) is comprised of three unique operating groups, a feed ingredient manufacturing firm, and a value-added food ingredient system manufacturer and food ingredient trading/distribution firm, and a full-service sustainability partner to major food companies. The acquisition and management of raw materials for each of these businesses plays a critical strategic role in the growth, competitiveness, and profitability of each firm. The Procurement Category Manager role is designed to embrace the strategic demands of these activities and drive the growth, competitiveness, and profitability of critical categories.
Why join the team:
- When you work at IFPC, you are family.
- Career advancement
- Medical / Dental / Vision / Life / Disability
- 401k with a Matching component
- Paid Time Off – vacation, sick, 9 paid holidays.
Job Description:
The Category Manager will manage products in the assigned categories by working closely with suppliers and internal customers, including Sales, Customer Service and Ingredient Technology & Applications.
Responsibilities Include:
- Develop working partnerships with IFPC suppliers and develop new supplier relationships to support category growth.
- Conduct negotiations with suppliers.
- Learn and understand product characteristics, uses and functionality to become the subject matter expert in assigned categories.
- Learn and understand the customer base and product applications and be able to identify emerging trends and new market segments to achieve category growth.
- Work closely with Sales and Supply Chain to maximize profit margins and reduce inventory age and risk.
- Understand market pricing and how it relates to both direct sales and distribution sales.
- Identify and understand market competitors and develop strategies to combat competitive strategies.
- Assist Sales and Marketing in developing and executing strategies.
- Work closely with other Category Managers in the development and execution of product strategies that complement each other.
- Work with Sales to maximize profits through direct customer communication, customer visits, sales meetings, trade show attendance and other support as needed.
- Travel as necessary to industry and category specific functions to increase product knowledge and become a part of the industry community for assigned categories.
- Develop strategies to focus on core products and to minimize the addition of non-core products.
- Participate in employee training on products within assigned categories.
- Actively support the Sales and Marketing efforts by participating in monthly webinars, helping with the monthly newsletter, providing daily market emails as needed, and participating in monthly meetings with Sales.
- Develop supplier and industry relationships that provide IFPC with special or privileged access to strategic relationships, market information, buying opportunities, and business growth opportunities.
- Manage category-specific risk positions.
The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:
- 4-year degree in business, agriculture, food science, science or other related field
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
- Exceptional skills in negotiating, influencing, analyzing problems, decision making, and taking initiative.
- Strong ability to manage multiple products/SKUs at a time.
- Acts with integrity and honesty, building trust through all interactions.
- Interpersonal skills to build rapport, network, and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the company
- Understanding of procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
- Strategy development skills with the ability to manage short-term goals to meet long-term objectives.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite programs.
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. If you feel you meet the
above qualifications, apply today or send your resume to careers@ifpc.com.
