Protein Category Specialist- England

Company

Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc. provides the finest ingredients from around the world. For more than 30 years, the company has supported the food industry using cutting‑edge logistics, a modern supply chain, and an unwavering commitment to service. Today, we are the trusted distribution partner for top hotels, restaurants, country clubs, hospitals, nursing homes, and culinary professionals across the region.

Center of Plate Category Specialist

$80,000.00/yr – $/yr (based on skills and experience)

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 the Director of Sales, this role will drive category growth, support pricing and go‑to‑market activity, and ensure profitability through data‑driven decision‑making and strong business partnerships. The specialist will act as the subject matter expert for Center of Plate products, collaborating with Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable results across all channels:
Food service, Wholesale, National Accounts, and Retail.

• Develop and execute category‑specific strategies to achieve sales and margin objectives.
• Maintain a 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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 (Dynamics 365 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.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Marketing and Sales

Food and Beverage Services