Category Manager of Protein Solutions

We are seeking a results-driven Category Manager of Protein Solutions to lead a fast-growing division focused on delivering high-quality protein solutions to our customers. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight in the areas of protein expertise, supplier management, contract negotiations, and cost optimization. This role requires an individual with strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive operational efficiency while ensuring superior product quality and cost-effectiveness. The Category Manager will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining key supplier and customer relationships and ensuring that all protein solutions meet the highest standards for our diverse customer base

This position is remotely based with anticipated travel up to 20% per year. We are unable to offer work sponsorship for this role.

Who are we?

Fresh Alliance, a Buyers Edge Platform brand, provides procurement services to distributors and foodservice operators with over 50+ years of experience in the fresh category. They procure products directly from 100+ premium grower/shippers and fresh processors, to deliver the best in quality and price. With a commitment to freshness, streamlined logistics, and k-12 services, Fresh Alliance redefines the industry standard, delivering a comprehensive solution and leverages high performance contracts supported by a wide variety of clients.

Your impact

• Implement standard sourcing processes that will apply to Beef, Pork, Poultry and Seafood.
• Manage direct negotiations with current suppliers while identifying new suppliers to meet the requirements of our customers.
• Clearly define and document product specifications and yield charts with a clear understanding of all cost inputs across all suppliers.
• Manage new customer data with full analytics and delivering risk management strategies, muscle optimization, raw material optimization and logistic efficiencies.
• Participate in new business presentations showing the ability to define the Protein Solution value proposition utilizing market intelligence and opportunities to leverage scale.
• Manage supplier relationships through quarterly business reviews and develop scorecards to measure key supplier attributes.
• Participate in weekly/monthly commodity market webinars to help define go forward risk management strategies.
• Work closely with customer operations to drive program compliance.
• Work closely with protein suppliers to understand capabilities, level of transparency, HACCP protocol, logistic capabilities and overall growth model.
• Assist in resolving supplier issues including service level, quality issues and product specification compliance.
• Work closely with the Fresh Division's pricing and order guide teams to ensure smooth data flow from supplier to customer.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to enhance the Protein Solutions pipeline and deliver long term growth.

About you

• Ability to deliver against key metrics and deadlines while prioritizing workload to maximize return.
• Prior supply chain experience in the protein industry preferred.
• Strong communication skills both verbally and written.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Experience with Commodity Intel platforms and understanding of key market drivers and the impact those drivers have on the protein category.
• Proficiency in Power Point and Excel.
• Experience in inventory management and forecasting.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to organize, analyze and accurately normalize large amounts of data.
• Strong background in procurement, supplier relations and strategic sourcing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to align protein solutions with customer needs and market trends.
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, rapidly evolving industry and deliver results under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Supply Chain Management preferred.

What's in this for you?

Amazing coverages to start. Medical, dental, and vision coverages are just the beginning! We also offer ancillary plans, such as flexible spending accounts for both health and dependent care, critical illness, accident, and voluntary life as well as company paid life! On top of this, we also offer a 401(k) plan with company match.

Invest in your success. We will provide you with a thorough training and development program; and offer competitive compensation.

Live well = Work well. Relax with our Personal Responsibility Paid Time Off policy where you don’t have to accrue time off in order to take it!

We welcome all.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.