Senior Manager Category Management

C.H. Robinson is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Manager Category Management to lead category strategy, supply planning, and growth initiatives within our Robinson Fresh business. In this role, you will drive innovation, manage key grower and customer relationships, and leverage your market expertise to optimize category performance and profitability. You will serve as the recognized category expert, influencing cross-functional teams while solving complex supply chain challenges and delivering best-in-class customer outcomes. In this role, you will lead and develop high-performing talent, foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and help shape the future of our fresh produce categories.

The duties and responsibilities of this position consists of, but are not limited to, the following: Oversees the day-to-day management of the category, to include communication, execution, quoting and contract proposals, service level management (of customers and suppliers), and reporting Leads innovation within the category, differentiating our offering through packaging, varietals, supply chain efficiencies, etc. to remain relevant and competitive in the marketplace Leverages negotiation expertise on the buy and sell side to advise on transactional, promotional, and contract pricing decisions. Manages the most strategic grower relationships, working to continually improve performance of the category through consistent cadence of grower reviews Responsible to actively manage a pipeline of new grower/shipper prospects to onboard and customer targets identified in partnership with sales counterparts Participates as the divisional category expert in the largest opportunity customer meetings Consistently and effectively educates internal teams about all aspects of the category: varieties, seasonality, growing regions, farming practices and influence yields, quality, supply chain cost components, regulatory compliance, etc. Develops the divisional strategy and supply plan to meet the requirements of the customer base and enable the growth and profitability in the category Provides daily coaching and performance management.  Outlines employee role accountabilities and expectations; manages performance to drive the right behaviors and improve results and provides useful real-time coaching, development activities and stretch assignments; supports employees with problem resolution Other duties or responsibilities as assigned according to the team and/or country specific requirements Talent Management: Partners with Talent Acquisition to establish a pipeline, recruit, select, and onboard qualified and diverse talent Manages annual merit and equity programs for assigned team to align compensation with performance results Outlines employee role accountabilities and expectations; manages performance to drive the right behaviors and improve results and provides useful real-time coaching, feedback, and mentoring, development activities and stretch assignments; supports employees with problem resolution Encourages employee feedback through formal and informal channels.  Work with next level manager to acknowledge and take action on feedback to drive a trusting culture of open two-way communication, inclusivity, collaboration and continuous improvement QUALIFICATIONS Required: High School Diploma or GED Minimum 7 years buying and selling experience in fresh produce industry Minimum 3 years of leading and managing team(s)  Ability to travel up to 50% (domestically and internationally) Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university Experience across multiple categories or complex supply chains Previous supervisory experience Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs Recognized as a category expert in the industry Solid financial acumen with deep knowledge of category financials Excellent relationship building skills with customers, growers, and internal teams