Category manager with more than 30 years of supply chain and production planning experience. Demonstrated leadership capabilities with direct and indirect employee groups. Employs tact, sound judgment and maintains professional demeanor in communication and relationships with others while striving to deliver best quality in daily work.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager
Delaware North, Global Headquarters
11.2019 - 06.2024
Developed food programs based on historical data, supplier capabilities and culinary needs.
Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for guests.
Reduced costs through effective vendor negotiations and optimizing product assortments.
Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
Monitored industry trends to identify new business opportunities and emerging product categories for expansion.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop promotional campaigns that effectively increased category awareness and sales growth.
Produce Buyer
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2013 - 11.2019
Reviewed bids and contracts to place appropriate orders.
Analyzed and controlled product transfers, waste and spoilage.
Achieved greater cost efficiency by negotiating contracts with new suppliers and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
Streamlined communication channels between the procurement department and store-level employees, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring consistent availability of high-quality products in a timely manner.
Evaluated supplier performance regularly to ensure adherence to quality standards and delivery schedules.
Managed budgets efficiently while striving for continuous improvements in overall procurement costs without compromising product quality or customer experience.
Pricing and Promotional Support
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2011 - 01.2013
Reduced errors in data entry through rigorous attention to detail when inputting price changes into relevant systems.
Implemented new pricing structures, leading to increased profitability and competitiveness in the market.
Coordinated with suppliers to negotiate better purchase prices, resulting in cost savings for the company without sacrificing quality or service levels.
Streamlined processes for price changes, resulting in reduced time spent on manual adjustments.
Balanced profit margins with competitive positioning by maintaining a deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences related to price points.
Increased efficiency by developing standardized templates for creating and updating product signs across multiple departments within the organization.
Collaborated with store managers and marketing to determine promotional advertisements for grand openings.
Produce Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2004 - 01.2011
Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
Enhanced customer satisfaction through attentive service and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Coached and mentored new team members.
Implemented effective merchandising techniques, leading to increased visibility of seasonal items and specialty products.
Service Area Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2001 - 01.2004
Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
Front End Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.1994 - 01.2001
Oversaw cash handling procedures, minimizing discrepancies in end-of-day reports through diligent monitoring of transactions.
Maintained strong customer relations and effective customer service standards.
Resolved customer complaints promptly, reinforcing the company's commitment to exceptional service standards.
Prepared weekly employee work schedules to meet operational needs.
Oversaw cashier operations, bookkeeping, and security.
Maintained excellent store appearance by enforcing cleanliness standards and delegating tasks to team members effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY
05.1997
Skills
Category development
Data Analytics
Supplier Relationship Management
Supplier Contracts
Performance Improvements
Sustainability Initiatives
Category Planning
Strategic Sourcing
Timeline
Category Manager
Delaware North, Global Headquarters
11.2019 - 06.2024
Produce Buyer
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2013 - 11.2019
Pricing and Promotional Support
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2011 - 01.2013
Produce Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2004 - 01.2011
Service Area Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2001 - 01.2004
Front End Manager
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.1994 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Canisius College
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