Assistant Category Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Category Manager supports the strategic management and optimization of the Procurement organization's packaging category. This role assists in focusing on the category strategy, market analysis, and developing supplier relationship management. The Assistant Category Manager collaborates with various stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and supplier partners, to support AFP's strategic goals, such as profitable sales growth, increased market share, and material cost savings initiatives. Essentially, the Assistant Category Manager plays a supportive role in driving profitability and growth within AFP by leveraging skills in market analysis, strategy development, and supplier relationship management.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Category Strategy Support: Assist in developing and implementing category strategies that align with AFP's overall goals, including product portfolio, pricing, and marketing plans.
• Market Analysis Assistance: Support thorough market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Assist in negotiating with suppliers, building strong relationships, and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
• Performance Monitoring: Help monitor and analyze key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement and optimize category performance.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with various internal and external stakeholders, including sales, marketing, and procurement teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Data Analysis Support: Utilize data analytics to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for growth and cost savings.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to support the development and execution of long-term strategies.
• Market Research: Strong analytical skills and understanding of market dynamics.
• Negotiating and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with stakeholders.
• Data Analytics: Proficiency in using data analytic tools and techniques to monitor performance.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in strategically and confidently negotiating material purchasing categories as assigned.
• Support the security of supply and sourcing supply alternatives or dual supply initiatives.
• Evaluate material supply requirements and risk in support of all new business processes.
• Facilitate material supply agreements with vendors.
• Help establish and execute a strategic sourcing calendar for assigned categories.
• Track and report cost savings initiatives as well as material qualification projects.
• Support contract/floor stock obligations and commodity risk management where applicable.
• Maintain updated knowledge of industry technology and market trends and indices.
• Implement and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).
• Perform other duties as assigned. Some travel may be required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A four-year college degree or equivalent supply chain experience.
• A minimum of 4 Years in Purchasing Category Management or Supply Chain/Procurement experience preferred.
• Basic market knowledge and strategic market experience in the food industry preferred.
• Competency working in SAP ERP with knowledge of MRP and other material management techniques.
• Strong communication, organizational, spreadsheet, mathematical, and analytical skills.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to think strategically and execute, when necessary, be hands-on and flexible. Superior problem-solving skills for long term issue resolution. Mental and emotional pressure, distractions which interfere and a diversity of problems in this job results in the need for quick decisions; Solid analytical skills, excellent communication skills (oral and written), ability to work well with others, self-motivated, the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of changing situations.

The physical effort this job requires is negligible effort in lifting, operating equipment, standing, and bending/stooping/twisting; moderate effort in moving, climbing, and walking; required to be able to read documents and computer screens. Requires advanced level of proficiency on a computer; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.

LEADERSHIP

Requires leadership in project management, intercompany communication, assigning work, resolving supply constraints, and in recordkeeping/paperwork.

CONFIDENTIALITY

This job has direct access to confidential information, legal documents, external and internal business/trade secrets. The resulting damage would be significant should this information be released to the wrong people.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

All work is done independently, with significant decision-making responsibility; establishes own work procedures; is accountable for own errors to senior management or customers; effects on the company are significant to major in proportion.

REPLACEMENT IN THE EVENT OF ABSENCE

Other category management team members.