Category Manager-Direct
 Dole Food Company, Inc. | |
 United States, California, Monterey | |
| 2959 Salinas Highway (Show on map) | |
 May 27, 2025 | |
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Category Manager-Direct LinkedIn
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Procurement All Locations
2959 Salinas Hwy, Monterey, California Position Type
Full-Time/Regular Tracking Code
976 GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Category Manager implements and manages suppliers and supply chain operations for specified categories. This role acts as the subject matter expert for the assigned category. The position will provide the highest level of customer service to internal customers and suppliers and ensure that Dole's requirements for delivery, quality, cost, and safety are met and that Dole's values are maintained throughout the supply base. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION: Strategic Sourcing & Savings
* Using inputs and coaching from Director, understands category strategies to gain a thorough understanding of goals and required outcomes to execute details and support project management.
* Uses thorough understanding of the competitive landscape in assigned categories to support Director with sourcing roadmap and strategic build.
* Participates in entire RFP process from development to contract execution.
* Optimizes total cost of ownership by identifying and tracking cost savings and joint process improvements that help drive efficiencies throughout the entire supply chain.
Supplier Relationship Management
* Builds relationships with assigned suppliers at the planning/buying level working with them on forecast and deliverables to support plant replenishment across the enterprise.
* Drives suppliers to continuously improve the value delivered to Dole.
* Assesses, manages, mitigates, and avoids risk throughout the supply chain for assigned categories.
* Drives suppliers to continuously improve the value delivered to Dole by employing key supplier metric tracking as well as timely action plans to address and resolve supply issues.
* Provides daily management of suppliers including Supply Chain support for forecasting, pricing, invoicing, and inventory levels. Manages weekly supplier meeting.
* Executes the identified strategy for assigned categories that aligns with short and long-term business goals and leverages Supplier Relationship Management best practices.
Category Execution and Business Support
* Supports maintenance of Laser Fiche contract management tool for assigned categories.
* Oversees category weekly calls with plant operations.
* Maintains accurate supplier/item pricing in the system including setting up new item/supplier records.
* Monitors rebates, indexes, pricing accuracy and updates item and supplier master in JDE.
* Maintains systems data required to process billings and update system accounts (period close).
* Place purchase orders and manage blanket purchase orders (BPO's) and overall supply for each category.
* Ensure suppliers are paying all open credits.
* Applies thorough understanding of how each supplier manages their supply chain and production to ensure Dole is providing all information to support order lead times, what drives their order lead times, management of Dole supply and use of Dole forecasts.
* Provides key data collection, inputs, and insight to assist Director in category analytics, problem solving, reporting, and KPI reporting.
* Responds timely to resolve service, quality, and financial issues for assigned categories.
* Participates in supplier business review meetings.
* Support sustainability initiatives through various information roll ups.
* Other duties as assigned. Required Skills
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: * 5+ years' work experience in procurement, buying/ purchasing, manufacturing replenishment, project management; A combination of related work experience and education to be considered.
* Experience with analysis, budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, and controls.
* Understanding of logistics, production planning and product pricing concepts.
* Experience tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and Continuous Improvement/Process/Technology initiatives.
* Knowledge of Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Risk Management (SRM), RFP and ERP Tools.
* Excellent communication and strong collaboration skills.
* Extreme attention to detail.
* Must be sharp, deadline focused, and highly motivated.
* Knowledge of ERP fundamentals and advanced computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel (pivot table experience preferred), PowerPoint & Project.
* Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to communicate effectively to all levels of the organization and use influence skills to obtain cooperation and support across multiple departments and functions within the organization.
* Demonstrated ability to perform well in a team environment and desire to share ideas, be cooperative, and express a positive and supportive attitude.
* Must be able to problem solve, drive root cause analysis and critical thinking skills. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and lift to 25 pounds on an infrequent basis. WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to work beyond normal business hours, weekends and some company holidays as needed. Required Experience
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION: * Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Supply Chain preferred.
* APICS certification preferred. PAY RATE:
EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. | |