Vice President Category Management and Merchandising - Hybrid - Harbor Wholesale Foods

Harbor’s Vice President of Category Management and Merchandising reports directly to the President. The Vice President is responsible for all oversight and management of our Category Management Team and the development of a newly formed division for merchandising and retail services. This is a dynamic position that incorporates leadership, vision, innovation, and collaboration across many of Harbor’s business lines to achieve a competitive edge, customer success, and margin growth. The position requires a progressive thinker who can develop, guide, and own initiatives from start to finish. The VP will be responsible for developing and adding the talent required for the Category Management, Merchandising, and Retail Services team to be successful by being present and accessible on-site at our corporate offices 1-2days per week which fosters and underscores Harbor leadership accessibility both internal and external in a people-facing business.

Critical to all Harbor Wholesale, the Vice President leads and mentors the Category Management and Merchandising teams, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and excellence, with key contributions including but not limited to:

• Comprehensive direction and leadership for the analysis, product selection, and programming of all categories of products to align with current and future needs of the business and our customers.
• Championing the profitability of our exclusive brands and development of private label products.
• Directs and manages the intrinsic relationship with sales leadership to create, vet and execute retail programs and solutions that drive growth, customer loyalty, and profitability.
• Communicates the company's strategic vision and goals to all stakeholders, vendors, and advocates for the team's needs and objectives.
• Work closely with the Category Management team at our sister company, Harbor Foodservice, to leverage their deep expertise within the Foodservice product categories.

Essential Job Functions:

• Leadership of Category Management and Merchandising Teams which requires an on-site "people presence in person" 1-2days per week and events as needed.
• Own, develop, and execute the budgeted category sales and profit goals, breadth, and efficiency of item assortment, while improving financial performance and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Define key performance metrics in alignment with company goals and prioritize their implementation within the category management and merchandising teams.
• Represent Harbor Wholesale in partnerships with key consortiums and outside organizations to optimize trade associations, relationships, and buying power.
• Foster strong vendor relationships to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Drive strategic development in various categories, such as food service, candy, snacks, tobacco, grocery, general merchandise, with vendor marketing programs to deliver success for customers.
• Lead change management efforts to support the company's growth plan and innovation initiatives.
• Incorporate digital transformation and data capabilities to enhance decision-making processes.
• Oversee and enhance the merchandising and retail services provided by Harbor Wholesale, focusing on value-added solutions that support retailer success.
• Assume responsibility for the creation and enhancement of value-added retail services encompassing such things as competitive pricing management, store branding and décor initiatives, planograms, store management tools, POS system enhancements, merchandising optimizations, equipment purchase programs, and other store services.
• Oversee the development and execution of our retailer rebate and loyalty program, Harbor Rewards.
• Lead company efforts for development of unique marketing and retailer programs that promote customer loyalty and growth.
• Other duties as assigned by the Harbor Wholesale President.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in managing high-volume B2B and B2C product management with the ability to produce results in a fast-paced KPI driven environment.
• In-depth experience in pricing strategy and analytics.
• Keen awareness of margin management and core components to profitability.
• Acute awareness of market competition and trends.
• Strong ability to be self-motivated and detail oriented in a high-pressure environment.
• Proven ability to successfully negotiate multimillion-dollar revenue streams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management and team members.
• Flexible and strategic team player with a proven track record of adding value through highly effective marketing revenue campaigns and structures.
• Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business management entrepreneurship, or a related field. Advanced studies in these areas are preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in category management, product marketing, and business leadership preferably in high-growth, multi-location environments within CPG, Food & Beverage, Wholesale and Retail Grocery

Please note that this is the minimum needed.

Values & Expectations

At Harbor Wholesale, we value the following qualities in our team members:

• Genuine: Honest and understanding that every job in the company is important.
• Motivated: Setting high standards and approaching daily work with enthusiasm while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
• Resourceful: Believing that every challenge has a solution and actively seeking opportunities to turn ideas into reality.
• Friendly: Treating everyone with respect and maintaining a positive and pleasant attitude in all interactions.

Compensation: $170K - 205K base with executive bonus level.

Benefits Summary: Benefits for Harbor Team Members include PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.