JAMES M. GNOTH
Knoxville
Summary
Foodservice sales leader with extensive experience in category management and supplier negotiations. Achieved a 99.93% service level while managing dairy procurement across multiple divisions. Recognized for building customer relationships and delivering training to support high-performing sales teams.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer, Dairy
Ferraro Foods
01.2025 - Current
- Managed dairy procurement for seven divisions, ensuring consistent supply, competitive pricing, and strong supplier performance.
- Maintained a 99.93% service level, supporting sales and customer satisfaction across all divisions.
- Negotiated pricing, contracts, and delivery schedules to optimize cost and strengthen vendor relationships.
- Analyzed market trends and sales data to forecast needs and support strategic purchasing decisions.
- Supported internal teams with product knowledge, availability updates, and issue resolution.
Logistics Consultant
DENSO
Maryville
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Advised on procurement strategies, vendor negotiations, and logistics efficiencies.
- Improved operational workflows and supported cost-saving initiatives.
Extended Leave of Absence
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Provided comprehensive care during spouse's spinal surgery recovery period.
- Managed needs of a four-year-old daughter amidst challenging circumstances.
Produce & Dairy Category Manager
PFG / Reinhart Foodservice
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Led category management for produce and dairy across multiple OPCOs after PFG acquisition.
- First OPCO to fully transition from Markon to PFG Peak Produce, ranking top-10 nationally in branded dairy transitions.
- Supported sales teams through training, product education, and field visits to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth.
- Negotiated supplier agreements, pricing strategies, and promotional plans to increase category profitability.
- Delivered customer presentations, business reviews, and product demonstrations.
- Collaborated with Operations, QA, and Customer Service to ensure quality, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
- Managed freight negotiations and implemented quarterly/bi-yearly freight contracts to improve earned income.
Produce & Dairy Category Manager
Reinhart Foodservice
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Managed procurement and sourcing for three OPCOs, including 365 SONIC and 426 SUBWAY locations.
- Built strong customer relationships through on-site visits and business reviews.
- Implemented local produce programs and marketing agreements with regional growers.
- Delivered training to sales teams and QA associates to improve product knowledge and execution.
- Monitored market trends to support pricing, promotions, and category strategy.
Project Manager, Epoxy Flooring
FlorLine South
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed installation projects, warehouse organization, and crew leadership for epoxy flooring operations.
Category Manager, Produce & Dairy
Sysco Knoxville
Knoxville
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Managed procurement for produce and dairy categories, supporting sales teams and customer programs.
- Category Manager of the Year (2011) and Master Merchant of the Year (2011).
- Reduced spoilage from $210,000 to $32,000 within three years through improved processes and supplier management.
- Delivered sales training, customer presentations, and product education.
- Built strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Oversaw procurement of proteins in addition to core categories.
Senior Buyer / GM Operations
Testa Produce
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Managed procurement for major accounts including Darden across IL, IN, and WI.
- Oversaw union warehouse operations, inventory control, and QA compliance.
- Negotiated supplier agreements and resolved quality/damage claims.
- Ensured HACCP compliance and operational efficiency.
Shop Carpenter / Exhibit Supervisor
Metro Exhibits
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Built and supervised exhibit production, logistics, and union coordination for convention installations.
Warehouse Supervisor
Pedi Bros Produce
01.1987 - 01.1998
- Achieved 99.8% picking efficiency while ensuring quality control for all outgoing products.
- Oversaw routing, inventory control, QA, and ensured compliance with HACCP/OSHA standards.
- Promoted from order picker to Night Supervisor, leading 75 union employees.
Education
High School Diploma -
St Rita HS
Chicago, IL05-1984
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, ILSkills
- Purchasing strategy
- Category management
- Vendor relationship management
- Negotiation skills
- Sales leadership
- Cost optimization
- Market analysis
- Metrics analysis
- Pricing strategy
- Cross-functional collaboration
- CRM expertise
- Salesforce expertise
- HubSpot knowledge
- Dynamics experience
- ERP familiarity
- Reporting tools
- Product quality assessment
- Office proficiency
- Relationship management
- Broker management
Accomplishments
- Category Manager of the Year (2011) and Master Merchant of the Year (2011)
Timeline
Senior Buyer, Dairy
Ferraro Foods
01.2025 - Current
Logistics Consultant
DENSO
01.2024 - 01.2025
Extended Leave of Absence
01.2023 - 01.2024
Produce & Dairy Category Manager
PFG / Reinhart Foodservice
01.2020 - 01.2023
Produce & Dairy Category Manager
Reinhart Foodservice
01.2017 - 01.2020
Project Manager, Epoxy Flooring
FlorLine South
01.2016 - 01.2017
Category Manager, Produce & Dairy
Sysco Knoxville
01.2009 - 01.2016
Senior Buyer / GM Operations
Testa Produce
01.2002 - 01.2009
Shop Carpenter / Exhibit Supervisor
Metro Exhibits
01.1999 - 01.2002
Warehouse Supervisor
Pedi Bros Produce
01.1987 - 01.1998
High School Diploma -
St Rita HS
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering
Moraine Valley Community College