Senior Category Manager - Meat (M/F/D)
We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Senior Category Manager to lead the meat category for a key client within the retail sector. This is a high-impact role responsible for driving category performance, supplier relationships, and innovation across fresh and processed meat lines. The ideal candidate will bring deep meat purchasing experience, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for delivering customer value through quality and efficiency. This position can be based in Düsseldorf OR Hamburg.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the category strategy for meat, aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
- Lead sourcing and procurement activities, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and supply continuity.
- Manage supplier relationships, including contract negotiations, performance reviews, and strategic partnerships.
- Monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, supply chain, quality assurance, and marketing teams.
- Drive sustainability and compliance initiatives within the meat category.
- Deliver on key KPIs including margin improvement, availability, and customer satisfaction.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years experience in meat purchasing, ideally within the retail or FMCG sector.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Fluent in German & English (written and spoken) - essential.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
- Analytic mindset with proficiency in category performance analysis and forecasting.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Willingness to travel
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