Associate, Category Management

Detailed Responsibilities: Category Strategy Research the supply chain, industry structure, and potential supplier partners by using online tools, industry resources, and talking to suppliers Conduct research into supplier capabilities and product portfolios Create and present recommendations for sourcing strategies based on data-driven research Formulate and execute strategic sourcing plans with our distribution/fulfillment centers Cross-functional Collaboration Support the plants by improving efficiencies, manage category costs, and reducing fulfillment and cost risk within the Home Chef supply chain. Work with cross-functional teams (Operations, Culinary, Food Safety, Supplier Quality, Procurement) to compare supplier samples, align on product spec and troubleshoot quality concerns Assist in managing emergency supply shorts and use category expertise to expedite replacement products or substitutes to plant teams Minor Sourcing Project Management Conduct supplier discovery, exploratory conversations, and research Ensure NDAs are signed and draft RFP documentation Analyze bids received and provide pricing feedback to suppliers Make sourcing recommendations to category managers Vendor Management Work and communicate with supplier partners to ensure that category goals are met Share short-term and long-term forecasts with vendors Address quality and fulfillment-related issues with the vendors and make sure corrective actions are taken Collect required documentation from vendors to meet FSQA guidelines

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.1+ year(s) experience in strategic sourcing, ideally within perishable goods Strong analytical skills, with competency in Excel Experience in relationship management Completion of a four-year degree in business or a related field Illinois Pay Range$67,000 - $74,500 USD