Job Description

Nassau Candy is a leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of candy, specialty confections, custom confectionery products and private label products.

We are currently seeking an ASSOCIATE CATEGORY MANAGER / KEY ACCOUNT SUPPORT SPECIALIST to join our dynamic team!

This role is responsible for supporting the development of defined product categories and executing a business development plan for assigned key accounts in conjunction with the sales team.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized and have a demonstrated track record of successful project management/ownership, juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines, and using data to identify and prioritize opportunities. He/she is analytical, enthusiastic, self-motivated, detail-oriented, customer-focused, and has strong writing skills with the ability to handle ambiguity and influence employees at all levels of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Category strategy and business development: Work closely with Leadership and Sales team on planning and business strategy, drive best-in-class customer experience and maximize sales growth through timely analysis and action.
• Act as the business merchant for his/her categories, possessing a complete understanding of internal and external variables that impact our business (this entails understanding the products and market and reporting on the category, managing the vendors and “the buy”, understanding the needs of the customer, along with responsibility for driving sales to achieve business objectives)
• Have a complete understanding of the customer needs, both existing and potential, and use that knowledge to deliver sales growth on assigned Key Accounts.
• Manage seller relationships - manage supplier/partner contracts, manage day-to-day relationships, and negotiate and secure deals and marketing funds from top vendors.
• Develop new seller partnerships to maximize business development and profitability.
• Manage new buys by analyzing sales information to identify opportunities for increasing sales and improving margins.
• Develop business plans for new opportunities and develop and execute project plans for the launch of new features, incorporating merchandising and pricing strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams working with Product Development and Marketing - communicate with internal and external parties, while meeting tight deadlines for high visibility projects.
• Conduct financial analysis of business opportunities to meet and exceed revenue and profitability targets. Execute and follow-up of retail assortment and category reviews.
• Source new confectionery items as requested.
• Provide suggestions for PR releases and monthly postcard programs
• May perform other duties and participate in other projects as required by the department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field

· 5+ years in product management, vendor/partner management, or category management in the confectionery, food and beverage, or related consumer product industry

· Excellent analytical and data-mining aptitude, coupled with strong Microsoft Excel skills

· Acute sense of product/brand and customer insight

· Ability to employ a logical thought processes in order to solve problems involving several variables.

· Ability to create innovative new programs that generate results

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Proven track record collaborating successfully with internal and external partners

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and to deal with ambiguous problems

· Ability to think and respond intelligently, strategically, and tactically with strong attention to detail

· Ability to multi-task in a deadline-driven, dynamic, and busy work environment.

· Excellent organizational skills

Excellent opportunity to join a stable and growing Long Island company!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Company Description

Nassau Candy Distributors, Inc. ("Nassau Candy") is a leading branded and private label manufacturer, distributor and importer of specialty confections, gourmet foods and promotional products.