Purchasing Category Manager Finfish

Purchasing Category Manager Finfish

Santa Monica Seafood is a family -owned seafood processor and distributor with a legacy dating back to 1939.From our humble beginnings on the Santa Monica pier, the company has become a trusted industry leader, renowned for our seafood knowledge and innovation.

Job Summary :

The Purchasing Category Manager Finfish is responsible for overseeing all aspects of finfish procurement for our Southern California-based seafood processing and distribution company.

This role requires expertise in the seafood industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex supply chains.

Key Responsibilities :

• Source and procure high-quality salmon products from domestic and international suppliers
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with salmon suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and prices
• Analyze market trends and pricing to make strategic purchasing decisions
• Manage inventory levels to ensure consistent supply while minimizing waste
• Coordinate with sales and operations teams to align purchasing with demand forecasts
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company quality standards
• Implement and oversee bidding processes for major salmon contracts
• Evaluate and select vendors based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Manage and optimize the salmon category budget
• Collaborate with the processing team to maximize yield and product quality
• Stay informed about industry trends, sustainability practices, and market conditions affecting salmon supply

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in seafood purchasing, preferably with a focus on salmon
• Proven track record in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis and inventory management software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and sustainability practices in the seafood industry
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Required Skills :

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Power BI for data analysis
• Proficiency in using ERP software
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Fluency in English; additional languages (e.g., , Chilean Spanish) are a plus

The selected candidate will enjoy competitive base pay, bonus opportunities, group medical, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, vacation, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with generous employer match.

In addition, employee discounts at company owned cafés, and wholesale pricing on seafood, along with a collegial and growth-oriented atmosphere add to the attractiveness of this career opportunity.