Category Manager - Fresh produce

Job Title: Category Manager – Fresh (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat & Allied, Bakery & Allied)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Department: Supply Chain Management
Reporting To: Head - Supply Chain Management
Job Summary:
The Category Manager – Fresh is a critical role within the Supply Chain Management department, responsible for driving the strategic planning, execution, and performance of the fresh produce, meat, and bakery categories. This individual will develop and implement comprehensive buying and promotional plans, manage inventory, optimize sales and profitability, and lead vendor relationships, ensuring consistent availability and quality of fresh products across all locations.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Execution:

Develop and execute detailed buying plans based on category business plans at the subcategory and branch level on a monthly basis.
Define and implement category objectives aligned with overall organizational strategy.
Create and execute business and promotional plans, considering brand, vendor, branch, customer target group, space planning, and budget.
Optimize space utilization in each outlet to maximize return on space and investment.
Ensure category contribution to overall business objectives.
Inventory Management:

Execute weekly buying plans based on category business plans.
Conduct category range planning (CATMAN) based on store location and demographics.
Maintain consistent product availability in line with store format strategy and market demand.
Identify and introduce new products to enhance range planning, margins, and product availability.
Perform inventory management and aging analysis at agreed intervals.
Ensure timely stock replenishment, minimizing out-of-stock situations.
Collaborate with warehousing to monitor stock on hand and transit times.
Sales & Profitability:

Achieve annual margin and sales targets as per business plans.
Deliver backend margins.
Plan and execute consumer activation and promotion programs.
Conduct regular store visits to understand consumer behavior and perform store audits.
Develop and implement competitive pricing strategies.
Execute loss prevention strategies to achieve planned margins.
Drive private label strategy to enhance margins.
Monitor and manage overstock, taking timely action to minimize aging.
Analyze category data to track performance against plans.
Vendor Management:

Identify and select appropriate vendors for each product.
Develop terms of trade (TOT) with vendors.
Negotiate pricing and ensure minimum lead times and maximum fill rates.
Ensure timely vendor payments.
New Store Development:

Execute category plans for new store openings.
Ensure CATMAN and planograms are implemented according to store format.
People Management:

Identify required skills and provide appropriate training to team members.
Effectively communicate category strategy and plans to relevant teams.
Develop accountable and results-oriented teams.
Coordinate with HR for performance evaluations and training needs.
Take corrective actions to ensure optimal performance.
Qualifications & Skills:

Proven experience in category management, specifically within fresh produce, meat, and bakery.
Strong understanding of supply chain management principles.
Excellent man-management and communication skills.
In-depth knowledge of market trends and customer preferences.
Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
Analytical and commercial acumen.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to train and coach team members.
Ability to work with different teams with a sense of urgency, responsibility, and accountability.