Category Manager (F&B)

Job description / Role

Oil & Gas

Job purpose:

Responsible for developing, establishing, and ensuring the execution of F&B standard operating procedures. Ensure quality control and quality assurance processes/procedures are followed across ADNOC stores. Coordinate with Category Management and Operations to conduct F&B supplier audits and inspections, evaluate quality and food safety performance, and produce process measurements.

Key accountabilities:

• Provide leadership for developing and directing quality and food safety initiatives across the F&B department; advise management on all quality and food safety standards pertaining to the F&B department's requirements and provide them with the necessary guidance and assistance.
• Act as a food safety expert. Advise management in developing quality and food safety strategic improvement plans and monitoring their implementation.
• Develop and establish F&B procedure manuals.
• Establish food safety SOP manual for the F&B department, conduct training on the SOPs, and ensure implementation of the same.
• Establish the successful implementation of quality and food safety standards during the opening of new sites.
• Ensure ADNOC Distribution's adherence to ADAFSA regulations regarding food safety and food retail.

• Work closely with the Category Management team in assessing suppliers and recommending qualifying/disqualifying them through an evaluation process in consultation with management (supplier assessment and auditing program).
• Assess any new/proposed suppliers to ADNOC Oasis competence as a prerequisite to any newly contracted supplier; collect relevant information, e.g., trade license, agency letters, etc. Recommend to management actions required for noncompliant suppliers.
• Issue a performance score to the supplier along with any improvements required with timescales within which to comply.
• Complete periodic Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) adherence checks on F&B suppliers (supplier audits).
• Ensure all food handlers in the F&B department are trained as per ADAFSA regulations.
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base opportunities to reduce cost, minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and exploit industry developments that benefit ADNOC Distribution.
• Monitor supplier performance based on meeting their obligations and product availability to improve and maximize the service level from suppliers. Maintain relations and renegotiate regularly to achieve better terms and reach the lowest possible cost price for products.

• Verify adherence to SOPs and manuals by conducting periodic store visits.
• Conduct store audits/inspections based on F&B criteria and measure performance of stores (internal audits).
• Keep track of any changes that occur in legislation, communicating them to management and other relevant departments.
• Ensure all food handlers in the F&B department are trained as per ADAFSA regulations.
• Record and file periodic checks for future reference.

• Support operations and other departments in customer complaint investigations which may be a result of poor food safety management from suppliers and/or at convenience store outlets.
• Educate and train employees as to their impact on the F&B, quality, and food safety.

Qualifications, experience, knowledge & skills:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, sales, business administration, or any other relevant discipline.
• Master's or postgraduate degree in sales and marketing will be highly preferable.

• Eight years of experience in category management department, including four years in positions of increasing responsibility.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing effective category management strategies and plans for various products and services.
• Skilled in conducting market research, analysis, and forecasting to identify opportunities and risks for the organization.
• Proficiency in negotiating and managing contracts and agreements with suppliers and vendors, ensuring optimal terms and conditions and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluating supplier performance and quality, and initiating corrective actions as required.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, such as business units, procurement, finance, legal, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in demonstrating critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.

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