JOB TITLE:  Strategic Category Manager

JOB #:  6666

Company Description
At C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. our roots run deep. In 1905, Charles Henry Robinson started a small produce brokerage that developed the traditions and standards of service that shaped the Fortune 500 Company we are today. As a global provider of multimodal transportation and produce services, we are headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN and operate through a network of more than 7,000 employees in more than 235 offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Middle East. We are the largest third party logistics (3PL) company in North America, and our services extend to more than 35,000 customers globally, ranging from other Fortune 500 companies to small businesses in a variety of industries.

Our people are our greatest asset and create a unique corporate culture that has built strong relationships with customers around the world. They execute our tradition of service on a daily basis and take pride in sustaining our dynamic leadership in the transportation logistics industry. You'll feel the energy the moment you step into one of our branches. That energy is what inspires us to find motivated individuals to join us in our quest to find solutions, develop innovative technology, and provide exceptional service to our customers. To apply online, please visit http://www.chrobinson.com/careers/  to complete an online application.

Position Description
The Strategic Category Manager will be accountable to develop and grow a specific Category(s) (i.e Melons). They will help shape the overall direction, supply plan and investment strategy for that category with an aim towards CHR becoming the dominate player in the industry. This will include acting as the strategic leader of that category to drive marketing, customer expertise, mergers and acquisitions, etc. It will be critical to be familiar with the overall Category from a Global perspective:
• Growing area
• Varieties
• Growing practices
• Consumption
• Pricing
• Importing countries

This position contributes to C.H. Robinson’s revenue growth through development and expansion of both new and existing opportunities relating to their specific category. This position also contributes to and will help drive the division’s strategic category management approach by extending C.H Robinson’s products and service through grower/supply exploration, investment and development. The role is internally focused on inter-departmental product and service development and sales initiatives as well as externally focused on developing and maintaining relationships with key industry leaders, division personnel and grower partners. Additionally, this role will be contributing to the growth and development of division personnel, creating and ensuring adoption of consistent quality assurance and standard operating procedures and fostering a culture of continuous improvement towards Category Management ideals. This position will be challenging the supply side to add value to CHR and increasing profit through innovation, grower interaction, product development and other activities that go beyond price negotiation in order to achieve overall success.

Responsibilities
Leadership Responsibilities
• Be part of a team that is focused to create value for buyers and make it easier for them to do business with CHR
• Work with the Director of Category Management to create short and long range vision for Category Management supply practices in their specific category
• Use supply side Category management leadership within the category planning.
• Implement the Category management plan.
• Communicate strategy and results effectively Director of Category Management and other stakeholders

Finance/IT
• Be accountable for reviewing and determining appropriate investments with growers and/or presenting recommendations for the Director of Category Management.
• Deliver annual Category Management plan and budgets for their category along with competitive analysis.
• Identify, communicate and work with Director of Category Management to deliver potential Merger and Acquisitions targets within each category
• Provide monthly and quarterly result reports and monitor CHR financials related to their category

Sales/ Account Development
• Work with sales teams to increase customer relevance and demand of CHR’s offering
• Close working relationship with Account Managers and Regional CMs
• Engage with branch sales teams to drive sales and achieve budgeted supply and sales assist in pricing strategies and mechanisms that support competitiveness

Marketing
• Support and help drive company branded sales programs
• Focus on innovation within the category by establishing a truly differentiated offering through packaging and varietals; offering to match the market and customer needs

Grower/ Sourcing
• Focus externally into the supply/growing markets of CHR in order to fully leverage sourcing decisions
• Define CHR value and differentiators to growers and suppliers within category
• Create and deliver all related grower journals
• Build grower relationships and enhance CHR reputation and credibility. Assist in setting contracts for supply and terms and conditions
• Develop and define the appropriate levels of quality and service specs within their category
• Transition grower relationships towards short term investments and lower risk

Industry
• Represent CHR as a leader within their specific category within the broader industry
• Participate in Boards and industry organization activities specific and relevant to their category
Required Qualifications

Qualifications and Skill Requirements
• Strategic and creative thinking skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent customer/supplier service skills
• Ability to effectively influence others
• Superior project management capabilities
• High degree of knowledge of the Grower/ Shipper side of the industry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong financial acumen
• Previous experience working for a grower or as a retail/category manager is preferred
• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience: Minimum 5+ years fresh produce experience preferred in buying and selling roles
• 5+ years Category management experiences at the retail level a plus.
• Supervisory and personnel management abilities

Benefits
We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, paid holidays and vacation, disability insurance, life insurance, 401K with company match, profit sharing, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the opportunity to prosper in a growing Fortune 500 company.