At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the merchandising strategy for the Centre of Plate category, driving growth and team performance.
- Company: Join Sysco, a leader in foodservice distribution, committed to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence industry standards and drive sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of foodservice with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in category management within CPG, Retail, or Foodservice is essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Category Merchandising Director Centre of Plate
Location: Ashford (Hybrid Working)
Reporting to the Sysco GB Merchandising Director, the Category Merchandising Director is responsible for driving the Merchandising strategy for the Centre of Plate category, leading across strategic sourcing, supplier management, quality assurance, pricing and category management. Developing and maintaining key external relationships across customers, suppliers and industry.
Youll lead a high performing team to meet Syscos strategic objectives and KPIs, delivering success for our customers and suppliers through industry leading people, products and solutions.
Role Accountabilities
Contribute to Fresh proposition transformation through M&A integration and Organic growth. Circa $400m per annum Meat & Poultry value under trade.
Sit on Merchandising Leadership team and lead broader Sysco initiatives outside of the COP business unit.
Challenge existing ways of workings & end to end supply chains to deliver a seamless customer experience.
Drive Category Growth for the Centre of Plate business unit across Sysco GB, covering meat, poultry, fish & Seafood, Meal solutions through diverse customer base from large Corporate to small independent foodservice businesses.
Lead and promote the 6-step category management process to support sales and share of wallet growth.
Lead a high performing team of up to circa 15colleagues covering buying, category management, Product Development and administration.
Collaborate with Supplier Partnerships to develop sustainable and profitable relationships.
Develop an industry leading, but carefully curated range to improve depot efficiency & drive sales and value for our customers.
Knowledge, skills, experience and competencies
Youll hold extensive experience of category management, product management or merchandising within CPG, Retail or Foodservice industry.Were looking for someone who has the experience of managing sourcing or category strategies across multiple markets, with an understanding of regional legal and commercial differences, including the importance of sustainability, provenance and animal welfare.Proven experience of leading change initiatives and supporting colleagues within a dynamic and evolving environmentalong with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, build capability, and create a high-performance culture is essential. Youll have extensive negotiation and influencing experience within a buying, sourcing or similar role; using data and associated tools to supportand successfully lead a team to drive category performance. A strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated track record of applying financial, commercial or procurement skills to a range of business-related objectives, such as delivering cost savings or enhancing the quality of services provided to businesses. Youll think strategically, able to demonstrate the capability to think long-term to build a future-proofed sourcing strategy factoring in the complex needs of multiple markets. This role requires strong analytical skills to interpret market trends, inflation/deflation, and supply chain risks, and translate them into proactive strategies. Effective communication and influencing skills to align with internal stakeholders (e.g., commercial, insights, supply chain) and external partners (e.g., suppliers, global OpCos) is essential.
Category Merchandising Director (Ashford) employer: Brakes
At Sysco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Ashford, our hybrid working model provides flexibility while you lead a high-performing team in driving category growth within the Centre of Plate sector. With a strong focus on employee development, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence, we empower our team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the foodservice industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Merchandising Director (Ashford)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the foodservice and retail industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Sysco's current initiatives and challenges in the Centre of Plate category. Understanding their strategic goals will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their objectives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led change initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your ability to drive category growth and improve supplier relationships, as these are key aspects of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainability and animal welfare within the food industry. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the values that Sysco prioritises in their sourcing strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Merchandising Director (Ashford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, product management, or merchandising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive category growth, particularly in the foodservice industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Category Merchandising Director position, especially your experience with strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Highlight Leadership Experience:Emphasise your experience in leading high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed change initiatives and built a high-performance culture within your previous roles.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Demonstrate your strong analytical skills by including examples of how you've interpreted market trends and developed proactive strategies. This will show your capability to think strategically and manage complex supply chain risks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Category Merchandising Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed long-term sourcing strategies in previous roles, especially those that consider market complexities and sustainability.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This role involves leading a high-performing team, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or driven change initiatives.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Given the importance of analytical skills in this position, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform category management decisions. Be ready to explain how you've interpreted market trends and applied them to drive performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare to share examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Highlight your influencing skills and how you've built sustainable relationships with suppliers to achieve mutual benefits.
