Director, Category Development - Non Foods, Customer Experience (Remote)

Join arenaflex, a subsidiary of Compass Group PLC, and become a valued and trusted partner to our customers as they create and build solutions for the customer experience in the non-foods area.

About arenaflex

arenaflex is the industry leader in procurement and supply chain solutions, providing a variety of products and services that help our customers more easily and cost-effectively run their businesses. We work with clients in the Hospitality, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, and Gaming industries, and support Compass Group, the world's largest contract food and support services provider. Our unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and global reach makes us an exciting place to work and grow your career.

Why arenaflex?

We care about our associates, our clients, and our community. We think big, encourage innovation and debate, and seek out game changers. Our benefits and PTO offerings are strong, and our compensation packages are competitive. We are constantly growing, and we want our associates' careers to grow along with us. We have an open and modern work environment, believe in flexibility, and promote a collaborative open-door environment.

Our Value System: People FIRST

At arenaflex, we follow a value system called People FIRST, which stands for Flexibility, Inclusion, Results, Sustainability, and Transparency. People FIRST is the foundation for everything we do, and it's how we connect and interact with our clients, business partners, and fellow associates.

Job Summary

This is a new position, with the mission of becoming a valued and trusted partner to our customers as they create and build solutions for the customer experience in the non-foods area. This is a growing area for our business and includes the sales and management of items that create memorable experiences and stays for customers. The Director will listen, visit sites, build trust, and work hand-in-hand with our customers on solutions in the designated non-foods categories that are essential to room management, restaurant experiences, and common space curation.

Key Responsibilities

* Develop a strategy for customers, mapping out the current landscape and defining an improvement plan for the near, mid, and long-term to stimulate interest from and engagement with customers for assortments needed for our 3rd party members.

• Work directly with customers to implement programs and increase contract utilization volume.
• Provide insights to cross-functional partners, including the account management, sales, category, and sourcing teams, to grow category.
• Develop and maintain senior stakeholder business relationships to build and win internal and external support for the benefit of the business.
• Implement and track category utilization and growth initiatives to help drive key business strategies.
• Maintain a robust understanding of trends in the customer experience space.
• Leverage market insights and data to ensure competitive market pricing/cost/value/innovation.
• Create, prioritize, and plan a pipeline of opportunities to deliver the saving objectives.
• Engage with facilities management leadership in our customer base to build trust and gain insights.
• Partner and collaborate with suppliers and customers to provide growth and implementation experiences for all parties.
• Prioritize constant engagement with key customers to expand the portfolio.
• Drive preferred supplier growth.

Requirements

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required; MBA preferred.

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in procurement or category development, with 6 years' experience leading a team of direct reports.
• Work in a related category, with hotel, commercial project management, or resort experience preferred.
• Superior presentation and influencing skills, with an ability to liaise at all levels.
• Exceptional customer service and client relationship management.
• A leader in cross-functional collaboration, leveraging category management, sourcing, distribution, and consumer insights to build unrivalled client value.
• Proven record in developing strategic business plans and managing cross-functional projects.
• Strong business acumen and analytical abilities.
• Ability to negotiate and build relationships at senior levels.
• Ability to collaborate with customers and represent their needs to the organization and suppliers.
• High proficiency level with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Contract management, project management, or consulting services experience is a plus.
• Travel up to 50% annually.

What We Offer

* Competitive salary range of $140,000-$160,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus opportunity.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance.

How to Apply

If you're a motivated and results-driven professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications. We can't wait to hear from you!

Equal Opportunity Employer

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer, committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Apply for this job