Brian Kenealy
Lombard
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at US Foods, excelling in category management and vendor negotiation. Proven track record of driving $7M+ in annual savings through strategic product assortment analysis and trend forecasting. Adept at fostering supplier relationships and optimizing supply chain processes, combining analytical expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Category Manager
US Foods
Rosemont
03.2022 - Current
- Analyzed and identified trends and forecasts to refine and develop the national strategy for strong and consistent performance within the category.
- Drove category performance through detailed analysis of product assortment and pricing changes, optimizing activities like new product reviews, vendor negotiations, and pricing strategies.
- Managed and maintained relationships with suppliers to secure healthy product assortment, negotiated programs and contracts, appropriate pricing, and future opportunities.
- Managed advertising functions, including pricing and promotions, to leverage opportunities and enhance growth and selling margins.
- Lead efforts and negotiations to drive private label penetration across the category nationally.
- Conducted multiple RFPs resulting in $7M+ annual savings on COGS.
Replenishment Buyer
US Foods
Rosemont
09.2016 - 03.2022
- Manage purchasing of over 200 vendors from September 2016-March 2020, and over 570 from March 2020 to October 2021.
- Collaborated with demand to ensure accurate weekly usage on items and optimized costing to achieve best pricing within brackets.
- Work with 3 markets to ensure we have the correct products at the correct times of the year, such as school demands.
- Maintained service level, DIOH, and spoilage percentages according to desk-specific targets.
- Oversaw special order purchasing process, ensuring timely fulfillment of specific customer requirements.
- Conducted negotiations with vendors to facilitate product returns efficiently.
- Reviewed logistic lanes for compliance with freight rates and identified opportunities to maximize inventory and freight revenue.
- Organized and led RSC team inventory meetings.
- Worked on a team comprised of Replenishment and Category Management focused on projects, initiatives and inventory reduction from August 2019 to March 2020.
Retail Services Coordinator
Chilay Corporation
Arlington Heights
09.2014 - 09.2016
- Negotiated shelf space in retail environments to maximize visibility and sales for represented clients.
- Managed relationships with small and medium-sized vendors and maintained store-level relationships with Store Directors and department staff.
- Trained and managed team of 3 across half of Greater Chicago area, ensuring effective coverage and support for client initiatives.
- Analyze top performing SKUs for potential growth and implement into assortment changes. Make any recommendations to category manager.
- Analyzed and tracked growth of poultry and seafood categories for clients, identifying trends and opportunities to increase sales through product introductions and pricing changes.
- Manage all brands promoted by our clients.
- Implement and develop launch materials, training materials and point-of-sale materials.
Account Manager
TBI Inc.
Rosemont
06.2014 - 09.2014
Assistant Manager
Jewel-Osco
Itasca
06.2008 - 06.2014
Education
Master of Business Administration - Master of Business Administration
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois05.2008
Skills
- Category management
- Assortment analysis
- Market analysis
- Trend forecasting
- Vendor negotiation
- Supply optimization
- Ad management
Timeline
Associate Category Manager
US Foods
03.2022 - Current
Replenishment Buyer
US Foods
09.2016 - 03.2022
Retail Services Coordinator
Chilay Corporation
09.2014 - 09.2016
Account Manager
TBI Inc.
06.2014 - 09.2014
Assistant Manager
Jewel-Osco
06.2008 - 06.2014
Master of Business Administration - Master of Business Administration
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Northern Illinois University