Category Director Fruit

Category Director, Fruit

The Category Director, Fruit is responsible for leading the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Fruit Category. This role ensures alignment with the company’s overall strategy and drives sustainable growth, profitability, and innovation in fruit, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, supply‑chain efficiency, and business development. The position also involves developing strategic global partnerships to secure supply.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic and commercial plan for the Fruit Category in line with corporate objectives.
• Create a strategic sourcing plan for fruit raw materials and identify and develop strategic partnerships.
• Develop a plan for packing capabilities, both internal and external.
• Monitor global and regional fruit market trends, consumer behaviour, and the competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
• Optimize the S&OP process with strategic suppliers and co‑packers.
• Develop a pricing strategy (commercial & procurement) and a risk‑mitigation plan.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end operations including sourcing, supply‑chain, co‑packing, quality control, logistics, and distribution.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, sustainability goals, and operational excellence.

Financial Oversight

• Manage the Category budget, P&L, and financial targets.
• Drive cost optimization and margin improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across sourcing, production, sales, marketing, and supply‑chain.
• Foster a culture of performance, innovation, and collaboration.

Customer & Market Focus

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention across retail, foodservice, and industrial channels.
• Guide Category management through product development and portfolio management based on consumer insights and market needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with growers, suppliers, internal departments, and external partners.
• Represent the Fruit Category in executive meetings and strategic forums.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, commercial management, agribusiness, food technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles within the food or agribusiness sector.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership.

Benefits

• Opportunity to be part of an authentic and sustainable international company with real growth opportunities and the freedom to shape the business.
• Full remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position.
• Flexibility in work arrangements to support a family‑friendly environment.