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Category Development Manager

Lufa Farms

Lufa Farms

United States
Posted on Feb 14, 2025

Sourcing & Merchandising - VSL Offices

Full-time

Presence: On site

Contract position : No

Description
At Lufa Farms, we’re on a mission to create a better food system by growing food where people live and growing it more sustainably. To do this, we built the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse and partner with hundreds of local farms and food makers to offer fresh, local, responsible food to our customers across Quebec. To optimize our offering and support our growth, we’re looking for a Category Development Manager focused on product development and managing the products’ life cycle.
The Category Development Manager reports to the Head of Purchasing and is responsible for implementing merchandizing and purchasing strategies based on forecasts and market trends, anticipating the needs of Lufavores, all while respecting the Lufa Farms vision and values. They develop their product categories through different business strategies, negotiations, and strong supplier relationships.
Responsibilities
1. Product and partnership development
Create new products and partnerships aligning with the standards and mission of Lufa Farms;
Develop a dream-worthy product offering based on market trends.
2. Supplier management and negotiation
Negotiate commercial agreements, purchase prices, and long-term promotional plans with suppliers to maximize sales and category profitability;
Frequently call our key suppliers to ensure better results and maintain strong partnerships;
Monitor competitors' pricing to maintain a better negotiating position and ensure competitive prices within established budgets.
3. Market implementation and performance tracking
Communicate promotional plans and collaborate with the category management team to understand marketing needs;
Work with category managers to identify specific purchasing needs and develop seasonal product strategies;
Monitor key performance indicators to ensure we hit our targets - sales, margins, average basket price, and price index vs. competitors.
4. Leadership and team spirit
Be a positive leader in a constantly evolving environment;
Demonstrate enthusiasm for innovation and new opportunities;
Foster an attitude that supports the success of the team.
Requirements
Strong communicator in French and English;
Strong work ethic, adaptability, and respect for products and deadlines;
Experience in negotiation and demonstrated organization skills in the past;
Post-secondary degree.
Assets
Three to five years of work experience in the food industry;
Two to three years of management experience;
Bachelor’s degree in commerce.
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, and available to respond to suppliers on evenings and weekends.
Benefits
You’ll be eligible to participate in the firm’s health insurance, dental, and disability programs after completion of a probationary period (paid 50% by the employee and 50% by Lufa Farms).
Access to TELUS Health Virtual Care (direct contact to health professionals by phone, video, or chat) and the Employee and Family Assistance Program (professional, short-term counselling, covering a broad range of interpersonal issues).
30% discount on your Lufa Farms basket.