Top Benefits
About the role
As one of Canada's Platinum Best Managed Companies, Fresh Direct Produce is looking for an energetic, focused, and experienced Category Manager to join our team. Come join our dynamic and entrepreneurial team!
Reporting to the CCO, you, as a Category Manager are responsible for developing and executing sourcing, trading, and category strategies for imported and domestic produce. This role manages their global supplier relationships, oversees procurement, and drives the commercial performance of their items to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and high-quality products for customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Sourcing and Supplier Management
- Build long-term supplier partnerships with domestic and domestic growers and suppliers, while ensuring compliance with food safety, ethical, and sustainability standards.
- Negotiate supply agreements, pricing, and logistics to secure consistent and competitive product flow.
Category & Business Development
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging supply regions to strengthen the company's portfolio.
- Drive category profitability by balancing volume, margins, and customer needs.
Commercial & Financial Management:
- Manage category P&L, including sales forecasts, margin performance, and cost analysis.
- Implement risk management strategies around supply disruptions, currency, and market volatility.
Operations & Logistics
- Work closely with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely and efficient importation and distribution.
- Manage seasonal programs and ensure smooth execution of inbound shipments and customer deliveries.
- Provide leadership and guidance to category and procurement support staff as needed.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- College or University graduate (preferably Business or Economics), or equivalent hands-on experience and knowledge preferred
- Minimum seven (7) years' of solid hands-on buying or selling experience in the produce industry, with specialization in ethnic, exotic or organic categories
- A dynamic, extroverted individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Solid leader and team player, willing and able to build confidence and establish cooperative relationships with personnel throughout the company and business units
- Open-minded, flexible, and able to adapt and succeed in a multi-cultural work environment
WHAT WE OFFER:
We offer in-house job training and a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, bonus program, group health benefits, and excellent development opportunities.
Thank you for your interest in Fresh Direct Produce. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
Making a Healthy Difference!
About Fresh Direct Produce
When we first sowed the seed for what was to become Fresh Direct Produce, our intention was to introduce an unparalleled service providing cost-effective selection of the best produce the world has to offer. We wanted to provide the fruits and vegetables that will go on the table in homes and restaurants, to nourish the body and soul. Our vision is to be a healthy difference in people's lives through food that is the basis for celebration and bonding, and a connection to each other's communities and heritage. Over the last 15 years we have tended to this vision, and it is our commitment to the future.
When we started, we were 11 people and two trucks serving our local community. Today we have grown to over 220 people and a fleet of 26 trucks that operate out of three distribution centers (two in Vancouver, one in Calgary). In order to deliver the best quality freshness to our customers, timing and conditions are critical. Our operations are supported by advanced data sensors and logistics systems to get things to where they need to go quickly; as well as large climate-controlled ripening rooms, for when things just need a little more time. Along every step of the way, our knowledgeable team works hard to ensure that the food on your table is deliciously fresh and nutritious. Beginning with our global buyers, to the logistics planners, warehouse workers, inspectors and managers, and ending with the driver that delivers pallets of fresh produce to the loading bays of large chain stores or the backdoor of a neighbourhood grocer; everyone plays a vital part. On the inside, it is a complex operation, from the outside it's just Simply Fresh®.
Top Benefits
About the role
As one of Canada's Platinum Best Managed Companies, Fresh Direct Produce is looking for an energetic, focused, and experienced Category Manager to join our team. Come join our dynamic and entrepreneurial team!
Reporting to the CCO, you, as a Category Manager are responsible for developing and executing sourcing, trading, and category strategies for imported and domestic produce. This role manages their global supplier relationships, oversees procurement, and drives the commercial performance of their items to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and high-quality products for customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Sourcing and Supplier Management
- Build long-term supplier partnerships with domestic and domestic growers and suppliers, while ensuring compliance with food safety, ethical, and sustainability standards.
- Negotiate supply agreements, pricing, and logistics to secure consistent and competitive product flow.
Category & Business Development
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging supply regions to strengthen the company's portfolio.
- Drive category profitability by balancing volume, margins, and customer needs.
Commercial & Financial Management:
- Manage category P&L, including sales forecasts, margin performance, and cost analysis.
- Implement risk management strategies around supply disruptions, currency, and market volatility.
Operations & Logistics
- Work closely with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely and efficient importation and distribution.
- Manage seasonal programs and ensure smooth execution of inbound shipments and customer deliveries.
- Provide leadership and guidance to category and procurement support staff as needed.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- College or University graduate (preferably Business or Economics), or equivalent hands-on experience and knowledge preferred
- Minimum seven (7) years' of solid hands-on buying or selling experience in the produce industry, with specialization in ethnic, exotic or organic categories
- A dynamic, extroverted individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Solid leader and team player, willing and able to build confidence and establish cooperative relationships with personnel throughout the company and business units
- Open-minded, flexible, and able to adapt and succeed in a multi-cultural work environment
WHAT WE OFFER:
We offer in-house job training and a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, bonus program, group health benefits, and excellent development opportunities.
Thank you for your interest in Fresh Direct Produce. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
Making a Healthy Difference!
About Fresh Direct Produce
When we first sowed the seed for what was to become Fresh Direct Produce, our intention was to introduce an unparalleled service providing cost-effective selection of the best produce the world has to offer. We wanted to provide the fruits and vegetables that will go on the table in homes and restaurants, to nourish the body and soul. Our vision is to be a healthy difference in people's lives through food that is the basis for celebration and bonding, and a connection to each other's communities and heritage. Over the last 15 years we have tended to this vision, and it is our commitment to the future.
When we started, we were 11 people and two trucks serving our local community. Today we have grown to over 220 people and a fleet of 26 trucks that operate out of three distribution centers (two in Vancouver, one in Calgary). In order to deliver the best quality freshness to our customers, timing and conditions are critical. Our operations are supported by advanced data sensors and logistics systems to get things to where they need to go quickly; as well as large climate-controlled ripening rooms, for when things just need a little more time. Along every step of the way, our knowledgeable team works hard to ensure that the food on your table is deliciously fresh and nutritious. Beginning with our global buyers, to the logistics planners, warehouse workers, inspectors and managers, and ending with the driver that delivers pallets of fresh produce to the loading bays of large chain stores or the backdoor of a neighbourhood grocer; everyone plays a vital part. On the inside, it is a complex operation, from the outside it's just Simply Fresh®.