Strategic Acceleration Manager (100% Remote)

This position is virtual/remote which means the work can be completed from anywhere is the United States except Hawaii or United States Territories. RESPONSIBILITIES Drives sales growth and GP3 (purchase allowance + selling margin, less deviations) through the development of custom strategies in alignment with corporate category strategy. Lead the implementation of those strategies serving as the thought leader in critical problem solving within category management. Serves as subject matter expert in product assortment, region category strategy, vendor programs, division delivered price, pricing, replenishment and vendor management. Support and execute category strategy on seasonal buy-ins (tracking and sell through), commodity compliance, opportunity and spot buys (ensuring delivered pricing and go to market pricing) and tracking of strategic buying initiatives. Serve as SME and Lead within Region Category Support team to consult/align with Replenishment and Pricing teams on solutions to market challenges. Maintain positive, proactive relations with vendors and lead region negotiation efforts with medium-small spot and forward buys, based on aggregate region volume requirements. Ensure stakeholders are informed of scope, terms and conditions of in-place or pending negotiations. Relay field feedback to corporate on assortment, product availability and predictive COG changes. Work closely with corporate to identify and prioritize pricing migration opportunities and develop category level strategies for focus categories being driven by category strike process. SUPERVISION: • None RELATIONSHIPS • Internal: Interact and communicate with commodity buying teams, region pricing directors, region leadership and local leadership where needed. Interact closely across all levels of the category management function, particularly the Director, Category Operations and Region Merchandising and Marketing. • External: Maintain close relationships with vendors, suppliers, consultants and broker community. WORK ENVIRONMENT • Remote: This role is fully remote, and the associate is expected to perform assigned responsibilities from a home-based environment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • 8 Years of foodservice distribution experience • To include 5 years of category management, replenishment and/or pricing experience • Must possess the ability to operate successfully in matrix environment and work effectively across multiple groups and levels • Strong negotiation skills required – both internal and external • The successful candidate will have strong quantitative and analytical skills • Ability to work in team setting, driving team results and supporting change management within the organization. • Must demonstrate high degree of motivation, the ability to prioritize and self direct, strong business acumen and sound interpersonal skills • Strong verbale and written communications skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Work, Excel and PowerPoint as well as Microsoft outlook required • Prior project management experience strongly preferred • Up to 25% overnight travel EDUCATION • Four year college degree or equivalent experience required CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING • None LICENSES • None PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • N/A PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS • Standard required physical activities including length of time performing each activity. This role will also receive annual incentive plan bonus. Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: Apply tot his job