Director of Category & Supply Chain Management

Job Details

Job Location

Aurora Office - Aurora, IL

Salary Range

$130000.00 Salary/year

Description

Director of Category & Supply Chain Management

Join a team with a mission that matters! Since 1996, Military Deli & Bakery Services (MDBS) has proudly served military families, providing fresh, high-quality deli and bakery products at U.S. Military commissary stores across the country. As the largest government contractor for these departments, we operate 103 locations nationwide.

We are seeking aresults-driven, strategic leaderto fill the position ofDirector of Category & Supply Chain Management. This role oversees the end-to-end management of our Deli, Prepared Foods, Bakery, and Supplies categories. It plays a critical part in driving sales, profitability, and operational excellence across all store locations. About 20% of travel is expected in this role. It is a hybrid position, combining in-office work at the Aurora corporate office for a few days each week and remote work from a home office for the remainder.

Salary starting at $130,000 and more, based on the level of experience and expertise of the candidate.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, analytical, and experienced leader who can connect strategy with execution-balancing market trends, vendor partnerships, pricing administration, distribution logistics, and food safety compliance.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in merchandising, supply chain, or related leadership roles.

Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and multi-category operations.

Strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.

Proficiency in merchandising systems, pricing tools, and supply chain platforms.

Key Areas of Expertise & Responsibilities

-Category Strategy & Product Management:Develop and lead category strategies that align with company goals and market trends to maximize growth, margin, and market share. Oversee product selection, promotional planning, pricing strategies, and planogram execution across all designated categories. Conduct new product research and development, particularly for the prepared foods program.

-Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:Manage and mentor a team of 12, including category managers and support staff, ensuring strong performance, collaboration, and development. Facilitate communication across Operations, Accounting, and Business Systems to ensure successful execution of category plans. Foster a high-performance team culture that supports company objectives.

-Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management:Lead joint business planning with suppliers, including the negotiation of vendor agreements, funding, and promotional support. Maintain strong vendor relationships that support category growth and innovation. Ensure contract pricing and service level compliance across all categories.

-Pricing Administration:Manage the implementation and maintenance of product pricing across all categories. Monitor vendor cost changes, execute regular pricing updates, and ensure price accuracy across systems. Support promotional pricing timelines and respond to internal pricing inquiries.

-Distribution:Lead and oversee all aspects of a multifunctional distribution operation to ensure efficient, accurate, and cost-effective fulfillment. Drive efficiency, enhance service levels, and manage costs across 103 store locations. Oversee internal order processing, cross-dock centers, and transportation activities.

-Food Safety & Compliance:Support and monitor food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance programs to ensure company standards are met. Maintain HACCP plans, manage recalls, and document incidents and preventive actions. Stay current on FDA, USDA, and Military Food Safety requirements and ensure alignment across categories.

-Data Analytics & Performance Management:Use customer insights, sales data, and competitive analysis to make data-driven decisions and improve category performance. Own and manage the P&L for all assigned categories and hold teams accountable for meeting financial goals. Track and analyze KPIs to support operational improvements and category optimization.

-Innovation & Process Improvement:Identify and apply new technologies, trends, and best practices in merchandising and supply chain to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Lead process improvement initiatives across category planning, pricing, and fulfillment functions. Promote a continuous improvement mindset throughout the department.

What We Offer - More Than Just a Paycheck!

We take care of our team because they take care of our mission. Here's what you'll enjoy:

Company Carfor business and personal use.

Quarterly Bonus Incentive Planto reward your performance.

All the office equipment necessary for your home office.

Two weeks of paid vacation after the first year, plus more over time.

401(k) Planwith a very generous company match to invest in your future.

ExcellentHealth Benefits, including PPO medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, and employee life & disability coverage.

Ready to Lead & Make an Impact?

If you're an experienced leader who's passionate about operations, people, and serving those who serve, this is your chance to step up and thrive. Apply now and become part of a company that values your skills, rewards your contributions, and makes a difference in the military community every day.

Apply Today - Your Next Big Opportunity Awaits!

These job functions and skills are not intended to be a complete and exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

MDBS considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, or disability status in accordance with federal law. In addition, MDBS complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. The above description identifies the essential job functions and skills needed by the person or persons assigned to this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The information contained herein is subject to change at the company's discretion.

Military Deli & Bakery Services, Inc. (MDBS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). MDBS is aVEVRAA Federal Contractor, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

INDHP

Military Deli and Bakery Services

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