Senior Director Category Management - Grocery

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:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director of Category Management to lead our Grocery Category Management team. The Senior Director will oversee our grocery assortment and sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive initiatives to increase revenue and reduce food waste within the grocery category. This role demands strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a dedication to our mission of sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of Category Managers in all aspects of category assortment strategy, planning, and merchandising.
• Utilize commodity and industry knowledge to optimize assortment planning and sourcing across non-produce categories including meat & seafood, center store, bakery, snacks, beverage, etc.
• Develop long-term and short-term strategic plans for the grocery category, aligning with company objectives and market trends.
• Foster positive working relationships with vendors, guiding the development of strategic plans aligned with the company's mission.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and consumer preferences within the grocery industry.
• Identify and execute cost-saving strategies to meet pricing and margin targets.
• Coordinate closely with our logistics team to optimize inbound freight and sourcing strategy.
• Collaborate with product development teams to identify and introduce new products that align with customer demands and company goals.
• Work with cross-functional teams including Operations, Logistics, Site Merchandising, Product, and Quality to execute category goals and enhance internal tools and processes.

Skills & Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in the grocery industry.
• 4+ years of experience managing Category Managers.
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with vendors and suppliers, including contract negotiation, performance evaluation, and issue resolution.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis, to drive cost-saving initiatives and achieve financial targets.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective collaboration skills with teams across departments, including Operations, Marketing, Finance, and IT, to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and innovations in grocery management through ongoing education and professional development.
• Proven leadership with a track record of building and leading successful teams.
• Passionate about reducing food waste and building a sustainable future for our food systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Data-driven decision-making ability.
• Adaptability, solutions-focused mindset, and willingness to challenge the status quo.

Details of Position & Benefits:

• Annual salary range: $145k-$160k
• 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