Protein Category Specialist

Position Summary

Baldor Specialty Foods is seeking a Center of Plate Category Specialist to lead the strategic and tactical development of our protein category—including meat, poultry, and seafood. Reporting to Director Sales, this role will be responsible for driving category growth, supporting pricing and go to market activity while ensuring profitability through data-driven decision-making and strong business partnerships.

The Category Specialist will act as the subject matter expert for Center of Plate products, collaborating with Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and Supply Chain to execute initiatives that elevate customer experience and deliver measurable results. This position requires deep knowledge of the protein category and a balance of analytical skills, market knowledge, and relationship management to ensure category performance across all channels: Foodservice, Wholesale, National Accounts, and Retail.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy and Performance

• Develop and execute category-specific strategies to achieve sales and margin objectives.
• Maintain deep understanding of market dynamics, commodity trends, and cost structures to identify risks and opportunities.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of category performance, including promotional effectiveness, pricing, and assortment optimization.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reviews of key metrics impacting financial performance.

Supplier and Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with supplier partners to negotiate programs and secure competitive pricing.
• Evaluate supplier proposals using financial and non-financial criteria to recommend awards.
• Drive supplier performance improvements in cost, quality, and service.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Merchandising to develop promotional plans and selling programs.
• Communicate category initiatives and updates to internal teams, ensuring alignment and execution.
• Support new product launches with training, demos, and marketing rollout plans.

Sales Enablement and Training

• Provide product knowledge and category insights to Sales Executives and Regional Sales Managers.
• Assist in developing tools and playbooks to support upselling and cross-selling strategies.
• Participate in field coaching and customer visits to reinforce category positioning.

Compliance and Process Improvement

• Ensure adherence to FSMA requirements and USDA grading standards.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures using a Total Cost of Ownership approach.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across category management processes.

Requirement & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Culinary Arts, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or sales within the protein category.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups) and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Dynamics365 a plus).
• Knowledge of USDA grading standards, PACA regulations, and FSMA compliance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for food and commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for customer visits.