Janice Woolfe
Seasoned Retail and Procurement Professional with Extensive Category Management Expertise
Professional Overview
Janice Woolfe is a highly accomplished Category Merchandising Director with over 20 years of experience in the retail and food service industries. She is currently responsible for driving strategic category development and optimization at Brakes, Sysco GB, a leading food service provider in the UK. Janice's areas of expertise span category management, procurement, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Category Merchandising Director at Brakes, Sysco GB, Janice is responsible for leading the company's category management strategy and overseeing a diverse portfolio of product categories. She works closely with cross-functional teams to identify market trends, optimize assortments, and drive sustainable growth within her assigned categories. Under Janice's leadership, the company has achieved significant improvements in category performance and customer satisfaction.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Janice held the position of Category Merchandising Director & CSR Lead at Brakes UK, where she spearheaded the integration of CSR principles into the company's category management practices. She has also served as the Procurement Director at Brakes UK, responsible for strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. Earlier in her career, Janice gained valuable experience as a Category Manager at Sainsbury's and a Buyer at Woolworths, where she honed her skills in category analytics, range planning, and commercial negotiations.
Academic Background
Janice holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Sussex, where she graduated with distinction. She has further complemented her academic achievements with various industry-specific certifications and training programs, ensuring her knowledge and skills remain at the forefront of the evolving retail and food service landscape.
Areas of Expertise
- Category management and optimization
- Procurement and supplier relationship management
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) program development
- Data-driven decision making and analytics
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Strategic planning and commercial negotiations
Professional Impact
Under Janice's leadership, the Brakes UK category management team has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks, driving double-digit growth in key product categories. Her ability to leverage data-driven insights and foster collaborative relationships has enabled the company to enhance its product offerings, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen its position as a trusted partner to its customers.
Conclusion
Janice Woolfe is a seasoned retail and procurement professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in the food service industry. Her deep expertise in category management, coupled with her unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices, makes her a valuable asset to Brakes, Sysco GB. Janice's strategic vision and operational excellence continue to position the company for long-term success.
