Produce Category Manager

Misfits Market is a mission-driven, high-growth startup dedicated to reducing food waste and making shopping for sustainable, high-quality groceries easier and more affordable. We deliver organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, dairy, bakery, wine, and other grocery items to nearly every zip code in 48 states at up to 30 percent off traditional grocery store prices. In 2022, Misfits Market acquired sustainable e-grocer Imperfect Foods and now leverages its in-house transportation network to deliver directly to consumers with one of the most carbon-efficient grocery delivery models on the market. By tackling inefficiencies in the food system, our passionate and motivated team of problem solvers helps save an average of 500,000 pounds of food per week from waste or lesser outcomes, with an all-time savings of 190+ million pounds of food.

Position Overview:

The Misfits Market Procurement Team is responsible for managing our incredible vendor relationships to source, secure, and sell great tasting products across a growing range of retail categories. Working closely with our vendor/manufacturing partners, the Procurement Team leads the charge at Misfits Market in fighting food waste not only at the farm level but with consumer packaged goods as well. 

We are looking to hire a passionate food professional to join the Procurement Team at Misfits Market as a Category Manager for the Produce department. The Produce Category Manager will work alongside the Buying and Inventory Planning teams and report directly to the Produce Director as we expand our supplier network and take on food waste and sustainability at a large scale. The Produce Category Manager will manage all aspects of the purchasing process including but not limited to assortment curation, cost negotiations and vendor management, item specifications and quality, retail market pricing, attribute and mission-driven storytelling and much more. 

Who You Are:

• Passionate about a sustainable future for our food system
• Outgoing, extrovert and a “go-getter”
• A fast learner with the ability to multitask and thrive under pressure
• Adaptable and solutions focused
• A team player above all

Responsibilities:

• Strategically plan assortments for assigned categories based on cost, quality and seasonality
• Own the category P&L and negotiate to hit revenue, profit, SKU productivity, quality, and food waste saving goals
• Analyze historical vendor performance trends to ensure quality, costing and on time in full is in line, if not, exceeding expectations
• Work cross functionally with Buying, Inbound Logistics, Merchandising, Marketing and Warehouse Teams to execute assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies
• Keep abreast of new and innovative products and programs, retail pricing trends, commodity market conditions,  etc.
• Some travel and weekend coverage required

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional industry experience required
• 5-7 years grocery retail or produce sourcing experience preferred. 
• Ecommerce or organic/natural food experience is a plus 
• Buying experience and strong negotiating skills
• Long term strategic and financial planning skills with a solid understanding of P/L statements, general ledgers, and margins
• Strong working knowledge of the food industry with established relationships
• Adaptable to a startup environment. Willing to learn new programs and systems
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple teams
• Fast on your feet and quick to make thoughtful decisions
• Proficiency with G-Suit, Excel, Word and Retail Math required

Details of Position & Benefits:

• Annual salary range: $90k - $110k
• Full-time exempt position
• 100 % Remote Work
• Salary and employee stock options commensurate with experience
• Unlimited PTO
• Multiple health, dental, and vision plan options
• Life Insurance
• 401K plan