Category Manager, Juice at Refresco

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.  

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative.  We seek out new challenges and conquer them.  This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?  

Position Description

The Category Manager for Juices will strategically source, purchase and manage the supply of raw materials through a carefully evaluated, competent supply base, ensuring that quality, service, cost, terms and conditions are optimized to provide Refresco with a commercial advantage.  This role will coordinate the activities required to meet the company quality standards and focus on continuous improvement while contributing to the company’s strategy and demonstrating the company values and behaviors. 

Essential Functions

• Identify and select strategic suppliers to procure juice concentrates from while maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers.
• Continuous monitoring of fruit and vegetable markets and crop seasonality to react quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected market conditions.
• Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers (Sales, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Procurement Finance)
• Provide regular commodity updates to sales team.
• Develop sourcing plans for assigned juice sub-categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers and meet internal customer requirements.
• Review, negotiate, and execute the implementation of contractual arrangements per Refresco policy and business objectives.
• Manage new project launches and source new juice concentrates as required.
• Track and monitor consumption & demand to ensure adequate volumes are contracted to meet production demands.
• Prepare annual budget for appropriate commodities.
• Generate cost savings opportunities throughout the raw material supply chain.
• Perform tactical procurement activity to meet routine business needs.
• This position will report to the Director, Procurement – North America

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Operations or related field required.
• Five (5) years of procurement experience preferably in food/beverage manufacturing.

Position-specific skills:

• Creative Thinking: able to think creatively, generating new ideas and approaches to situations.
• Strategic Thinking: able to grasp the big picture and think long-term.
• Attention to Detail: highly attentive to details, change and what factors influence change.
• Recognition of Opportunity: recognizes new opportunities and acts to take advantage of them.
• Assertiveness: able to defend a point of view and to confront others appropriately when necessary; unafraid to take controversial positions and challenge the conventional wisdom or status quo.
• Comfort with risk: takes risks when appropriate, isn’t afraid to innovate and experiment.
• Organizational Priority: able to make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Decisiveness: able to make decisions even in ambiguous situations and without full information.
• Self-Motivation/Time Management: able to determine and prioritize tasks with minimal direction.
• Negotiation Skill: skilled in negotiating tactics, effective in utilizing analysis and creative solutions to extract the greatest value for the company.
• Software Skill: Microsoft Excel proficiency is mandatory, as well as adeptness in PowerPoint and Word. SAP knowledge a plus.
• Written Communication: a good writer; expresses ideas and positions clearly. Ability to compose concise, simplified written descriptions of complex issues, supported by detailed analysis.
• Cross Cultural: Able to interact effectively with people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Working Conditions:

• Corporate Office Environment
• Based in Bentonville, AR, Tampa, FL, Columbus, GA, or Dunkirk, NY
• Ability to travel 10-25% for quarterly visits if required
• Physical – Continuously sitting for prolonged periods using a computer.
• Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment – Work and environment are fast-paced, requiring the ability to remain focused under pressure. Attention must be concentrated in the face of numerous changing stimuli.

A Career with Refresco  

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:  

• Medical/dental/vision insurance  
• Life insurance  
• 401(k) savings plan with company match  
• Paid holidays and vacation  
• Well-being benefits  
• Discount programs  

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!  

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Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages, Inc.,  and have been engaged in a search shall submit résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.