Job Description

BE - Ardo Headquarters

Sales

Permanent contract



Ardo supplies its continuously growing markets around the world with high quality frozen vegetables, herbs, and fruit with 3300 employees and 16 production, packing & distribution sites in 7 different countries. The family business sells in more than 100 countries and has a turnover of more than 1.4 billion euros. The close proximity of our factories to our crops is one of our key strengths and ensures that only minutes are lost between harvest and locking in the product’s natural goodness in our freezers.



Ardo's mission is to preserve the gift of nature for future generations by providing fresh frozen, plant-based food while minimising our impact on the planet. Ardo achieves this goal thanks to an integrated network of growing areas, production units, freezing units, packaging equipment, appropriate logistics and thorough quality control. The group's know-how and flexible structure ensure that it can respond quickly to new trends and that innovative product can be brought onto the market quickly.



Your Scope



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.

Your profile

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.

We offer



We offer you the opportunity to be part of an authentic and sustainable international company, with real growth opportunities and the freedom to actively participate in shaping the business and the opportunity to develop professionally. You will receive a full remuneration package in line with the level of this position. We care for our people and create family-friendly surroundings by offering you the flexibility to work 2 days/week from home.