Schelstraete delacourt is looking for a Category Director Fruit for a Belgian family-owned food company.
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. This role will also focus on developing strategic partners (globally) to secure supply.
Strategic Responsibilities
* Develop and implement the strategic & commercial plan for the Fruit Category in line with corporate objectives.
* Develop a plan for strategic sourcing of fruit raw materials and identify and develop strategic partnerships
* Develop a plan for packing capabilities internal and external.
* Monitor global and regional fruit market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
* Optimise S&OP process internal and external (strategic suppliers, co-packers).
* Develop a pricing strategy (commercial & procurement) and risk mitigation plan.
Operational Responsibilities
Operational Management
* Oversee end-to-end operations including sourcing, supply chain, copacking, 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.
This Is Where You Recognize Yourself
* Master’s degree in business administration, commercial management, Agribusiness, Food Technology, or 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.