Coquitlam, BC

Sales and Category Coordinator (Contract)

About Oppy

Grow Our Tomorrow. Oppy is a leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world. As one of North America’s top produce companies for nearly 165 years, we bring over 100 varieties of produce from 27 countries to 1,300+ retailers in North America and throughout the world. As much as agriculture has shaped the past for humankind, Oppy’s efforts shape its future by sustainably providing families with healthy, safe and fresh produce to create a better quality of life for all. Our progressive team is called to a higher purpose that raises the economic wellbeing of families and communities who work the land.

Recognized as one Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 20 years!) and a Top 100 Employer, our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Grow your tomorrow with us, today.

Overview

The Sales and Category Coordinator (internally known as “Category Coordinator, Avocados”) provides support for the day-to-day management of the assigned category. This position involves coordinating internal and external communications, analyzing sales and forecast data, inventory tracking, and executing tactical category plans. The role maintains effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including sales teams, growers, operations, and quality control, to ensure the smooth flow of information and timely decision-making. In addition to providing support to the Category Director, the Coordinator is empowered to take initiative when addressing operational issues, implementing tactical solutions that support the strategic goals of the organization. The role requires strong analytical skills, a collaborative approach to teamwork, and the ability to work effectively in a rapidly changing and high-pressure environment.

The expected base salary range of this position is $70,000 – $75,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position based in our U.S. and Canada office locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by various factors including location, job-related skills, relevant experience, education, formal training, and internal equity.

Contract Length: Minimum, 12-months

Please Note: In-office attendance is required for up to the first 6-months of training and the position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule following the training period depending on team needs.

Accountabilities

  • Provides information, analysis, and recommendations to facilitate effective category management and decision-making to increase profitability to growers while meeting the needs of the retail customer.
    • Develops market reports for the grower base including sales, inventory, rotation and trouble files or quality adjustments.
  • Supports effective communication practices between stakeholders to facilitate positive relationships.
    • Recommends and executes best practice including meeting minutes, call transcripts and follow up on action items.
    • Reinforces and monitors key points to promote transparency and understanding to mitigate risk and avoid issues/claims.
    • Facilitates consistent dialogue with key team members of grower base (e.g. Avoworks and EcoFarms) to ensure alignment in decision-making and actions.
  • Supports the Category Director to monitor inventory, grower communication and other operational elements within the category and supports with follow up activities as requested.
  • Creates forecasting model for pricing and volume to support understanding and operational execution between parties (e.g. Oppy, Eco Farms, Avoworks).
    • Monitors variation between forecast and actual to improve model accuracy.
    • Gathers forecast information from all regions on volume and NGR expectations to facilitate appropriate planning.
  • Monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) on an ongoing basis to ensure appropriate decision making and actions are taken to optimize category performance.
    • Analyzes prices daily to ensure they are in line with USDA and expectations.
    • Monitors volume on hand and forecasts to facilitate balanced levels in all locations, communicates accordingly for corrective actions.
    • Monitors sales pace to ensure it is on track with inventory arrivals, communicates accordingly for corrective actions to ensure no over accumulation or shortage of product through the season.
    • Monitors programs via the program tracker to ensure plans are executed according to expectations, communicates accordingly for corrective actions.
  • Provides communications and follow-up to Business Development Representative (BDR) and Sales teams to support sales and marketing activities for the category.
    • Communicates with Business Development team to help support focus on regional promotions and achieve optimal sell-through.
    • Supports the Category Director in developing sales plans across locations and facilitates communication to increase sales participation. Provides focus in key areas such as Ready to Eat and/or other programs or initiatives.
  • Collaborates with internal and external contacts to coordinate inventory on both coasts to ensure consistency of supply.
    • Communicates with appropriate supply chain team members including QC, facilities, operations and transportation to assure appropriate collaboration and proactive planning is in place; escalates issues as required.
  • Coordinates volume plan and execution plan with key grower stakeholders and other relevant parties.
  • Supports development of customer and grower presentations as required. May travel and participate in delivering presentations as required.
  • Assists with other duties related to the management of the category as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

  • Proven experience in comprehending data related to trends, forecasting, costing models, and reporting; demonstrated ability to analyze sales and marketing information, develop effective solutions, and monitor outcomes.
  • Proficient in PowerBI and Microsoft Office Suite applications (including Outlook, Word, Excel); ability to create complex reports and analyze and model data using Microsoft Excel and PowerBI preferred.
  • Ability to make data-driven decisions and exercise independent judgment to address challenges and align category strategies with organizational goals.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication (written & verbal) and customer service skills; English/Spanish bilingual considered an asset.
  • Ability to work effectively with multiple departments and forge strong relationships within the category team and all other stakeholders.
  • Strong organization and time management skills; ability to prioritize multiple demands in a timely manner without compromising the quality or accuracy of work.
  • Self-motivated with high standards and attention to detail; ability to set priorities and work accurately within tight deadlines in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability in exercising good judgement while maintaining confidentiality; demonstrates a high level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism at all times.
  • A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process improvement, optimizing workflow efficiency, and achieving team objectives within the organization.
  • Positive and engaging attitude, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and fun working environment.

Ideal Qualifications

  • Minimum, 3+ years of successful, proven experience in category management and/or sales; previous produce industry experience considered an asset.
  • Degree, diploma in business with a focus on sales and marketing; agribusiness is an asset.

Why Work for Oppy?

  • We are the perfect size of organization that is still nimble but yet organized, where meaningful impact and contributions happen.
  • We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other. We want our people to grow and succeed.
  • We believe in you bringing your best true self and your best ideas, because diverse perspectives contribute to better problem solving and solutions in a dynamic and ever evolving industry.
  • We support your professional development and health with educational reimbursement and wellness programs.
  • We offer a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health, dental & vision coverage, pension plan, profit share, tuition reimbursement and benefits!

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.

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