Frederick Horanic
Harrisburg,PA
Summary
Category Management & Corporate Purchasing Leader with 10+ years of experience driving cost savings, supplier strategy, and inventory optimization across retail grocery, fresh produce, and corporate procurement. Proven record of vendor negotiation, JIT purchasing, and cross-functional coordination in large, multi-division organizations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager, Corporate Purchasing
Navajo Incorporated
Denver, CO
09.2018 - Current
- Led corporate purchasing across multiple departments and divisions, ensuring cost-effective sourcing, standardized vendors, and uninterrupted supply.
- Sourced and evaluated vendors across multiple categories, presenting cost, quality, and delivery analyses to senior management.
- Managed competitive bid processes for key categories including corrugated packaging, janitorial and shipping supplies.
- Built and maintained strategic vendor relationships while identifying new suppliers to reduce cost and improve service.
- Oversaw inventory stocking and replenishment using just-in-time (JIT) purchasing principles.
- Developed purchasing reports highlighting cost savings, vendor performance, and spend visibility to support executive decision-making.
- Reconciled invoices and managed corporate credit card purchases to ensure compliance with payment terms and capture discounts.
- Coordinated corporate travel logistics, including flights, hotels and trade show registrations.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop category strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
Purchasing Manager, Fresh Produce
Lidl US
Arlington, VA
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Executed market research by shopping produce departments of local competitors on a daily basis
- Completed market analysis of competitor products, pricing, promotions, packaging, trends, loyalty programs, and marketing initiatives
- Full ownership of product range including developing a strategy to consistently improve quality and results
- Identified potential suppliers, visit existing suppliers, and build and maintain good relationships with them
- Conducted research to determine the best products and suppliers in terms of value, delivery schedules, and quality
- Presented the above findings to the director and corporate team daily/weekly in presentations
Buyer I, Produce Department
Ahold USA
Carlisle, PA
05.2013 - 09.2015
- Managed West Coast vegetable procurement (conventional & organic) across domestic and international suppliers.
- Analyzed market trends to optimize purchasing strategies and ensure competitive pricing.
- Owned convenience produce category, managing sourcing for packaged produce, dressings, toppings, and organic items.
- Maintained a 97% inventory fill rate with 2.25+ inventory turns across 3 distribution centers supplying 600+ stores.
- Negotiated supplier costs meeting or beating USDA averages, driving a 10% lift in promotional movement.
- Investigated and resolved invoice problems
- Monitored store orders daily to ensure 100% fulfillment and advise any out-of-stock issues
- Led supplier relationships and guided merchandisers on buying decisions supporting promotions and growth.
Administrative Assistant, Deli Department
Adecco : Client - Ahold USA
Carlisle, PA
07.2012 - 05.2013
- Supported the Director of the Deli Department in running inventory movement reports, cost reports, and other ad hoc reports
- Supported the Deli buyers through cost and item maintenance
- Orchestrated daily allocation and push items
Mid Atlantic Warehouse Grocery Buyer
Whole Foods Market
Landover, MD
04.2005 - 08.2010
- Managed non-perishable procurement across multiple grocery categories for a distribution center supplying 37 stores.
- Maintained a 98% inventory fill rate while supporting weekly and monthly promotions.
- Negotiated LTL and FTL freight rates with brokers and common carriers
- Collaborated with vendors on new product introductions and promotional planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA01-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA01-2002
Study Abroad
Institute For Shipboard Education: Semester At Sea
Fort Collins, CO01-2002
Skills
- Strong attention to detail with a methodical approach to problem-solving
- Dynamic trainer and mentor, skilled at energizing teams and fostering professional development
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences
- Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, ensuring efficient workflow and task prioritization
- Skilled in MicroSoft Dynamics 365 for use as a purchasing tool, data management and reporting
- Category development
- Data analytics
- Supplier relationship management
Honors
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America Troop 95
Timeline
Category Manager, Corporate Purchasing
Navajo Incorporated
09.2018 - Current
Purchasing Manager, Fresh Produce
Lidl US
09.2015 - 12.2015
Buyer I, Produce Department
Ahold USA
05.2013 - 09.2015
Administrative Assistant, Deli Department
Adecco : Client - Ahold USA
07.2012 - 05.2013
Mid Atlantic Warehouse Grocery Buyer
Whole Foods Market
04.2005 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Pittsburgh
Study Abroad
Institute For Shipboard Education: Semester At Sea