Category Specialist

Company: Stratas Foods
Location: Southaven
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Job Description:

Company Description

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA. Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN. We are committed to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees. We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

Job Description

The Category Analyst is responsible for managing internal commercial activities (contracting, pricing, market information) on an assigned book of business. The individual will work cross-functionally with outside sales partners and provide support to the customer base. Ability to perform in a fast-paced, transaction-rich environment while delivering exceptional customer service is critical. This position may include direct and co-assigned managed accounts, as well as limited travel, The Category Analyst will:

• Provide direct support to assigned Book of Business and support of co-assigned accounts with all activities relating to forward contracting, pricing, and customer/category project needs. Develop and maintain customer development plans.
• Actively pursue new business opportunities to drive additional volume and gross profit.
• Perform regular analysis of pricing structures for daily quotes, responses to RFP requests, competitive opportunities & threats, and changing cost metrics; Follow margin management guidelines and their implementation. Use pricing excellence methodologies to grow volume and margin for assigned accounts.
• Develop a good understanding of futures, basis and cash markets and be able to recommend purchasing tactics to customers.
• Support activities of Outside Sales force as instructed by direct manager.
• Aggressively work with Oil Procurement, Operations, Inside & Outside Sales, Marketing, Technical Services, and other key internal areas to support the needs of the Customer while balancing the profit center and company requirements, and proactively channeling relevant market information and Customer feedback to the appropriate internal groups.
• Provide forecast input and inventory follow up for the assigned category.
• Responsible for up to approx. $ 200 MM Sales/Year or equivalent Category Margin dollars.
• Work on special projects/other departmental responsibilities as assigned.
  
  Qualifications
  
  Education: BA in Business, Finance or Marketing preferred. MS or MBA preferred or equivalent education and experience.
  
  Related Experience: Minimum 1-3 years sales support, category management, finance/accounting, procurement/supply chain. Commodities market experience preferred.
  
  Equipment/Software Skills: Intermediate/Advanced MS Excel skills required. Proficient in other Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint), phone/voice systems, etc. IBM, Salesforce and forecasting experience are a plus.
  
  Competencies:
  
• Analytical Skills: Reviews job-related information to assess and analyze results for accuracy, profitability, completeness, consistency, etc.; Uses commodity market information and competitive data to adjust pricing strategies. Uses job-related tools (MS Excel, IBM/ERP, Daily Reports) as needed.
• Mathematical Skills: Performs pricing calculations with accuracy, updated costs, proper markets, correct formulas', etc.
• Communications: Written and Oral: Communicates clearly, tactfully, and succinctly in a variety of communication mediums, settings, and styles; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Edits work for spelling grammar; presents numerical data effectively. Interacts in a professional and courteous manner.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Proposes and discusses alternatives and implements solutions.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with other members of the team, Outside Sales, Customer Service, Oil Procurement, Operations, and Technical Services to accomplish cross-functional tasks related to service, contracts & pricing, as well as and in company projects as assigned.
• Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions in a timely manner. Exhibits discernment in the decision-making process, including seeking advice and guidance when needed. Treats sensitive and confidential information accordingly.
  
  Additional Information
  
  Physical: Normal level of routine office activity. Must be comfortable sitting for extended periods of time. Extensive typing and voice & video dialogue required.
  
  Sensory: Heavy phone/voice & video, and email volume. Must have excellent diction to respond to call and excellent listening skills in order to understand and respond to issues or requests. Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  
  Mental/Reasoning: Good organizational skills with strong discipline and work ethic. Ability to multitask and work under pressure while managing obstacles such as time constraints and prioritize workload appropriately. Must work effectively with others and perform well under general oversight, with a degree of autonomy. Ability to rationalize and analyze results and make appropriate business decisions and recommendations.
  
  Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.
  
  Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Keywords: Stratas Foods, Southaven , Category Specialist, Other , Southaven, Mississippi