Job Overview:

The Senior Manager of State Government Affairs will lead the development and execution of legislative and regulatory strategies to support UNFI’s business objectives and operations across multiple states. This role is responsible for monitoring and influencing public policy related to food distribution, transportation, labor, environmental regulations, taxation, and supply chain operations. This role will report to the VP, Government Affairs. The ideal candidate has strong political acumen, deep knowledge of state policymaking processes, and a background in issues relevant to food and logistics industries.  

What does it mean to be part of our ESG/Sustainability team? 

The ESG/Sustainability is committed to minimizing waste and reducing excess food within our operations and throughout our value chain. This includes preventing waste caused by damaged or misplaced products.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities   

•       Advocate for the company’s interests before state legislatures, governors’ offices, regulatory agencies (e.g., Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, Environmental Protection), and related entities.  

•       Monitor proposed and enacted state legislation and regulations that impact food distribution, warehousing, fleet operations, food safety, labor law, and tax policy.  

•       Partner with operations, legal, compliance, finance, and sustainability teams to assess the impact of state policy proposals and recommend appropriate responses.  

•       Build and maintain strong relationships with state lawmakers, agency staff, trade associations, and key coalition partners.  

•       Draft and deliver testimony, comment letters, position statements, and other advocacy materials to support state lobbying efforts.  

•       Manage contract lobbyists and coordinate efforts across multiple states and regions.  

Additional Responsibilities   

•       Represent the company in state trade associations, food industry coalitions, and business advocacy groups.  

•       Track lobbying and political activities to ensure compliance with all applicable ethics and disclosure laws.

• Support the company’s grassroots engagement strategy as applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications:

•       Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, or a related field (advanced degree or J.D. a plus).  

Experience:

•       7+ years of relevant experience in state government relations, public policy, or a regulatory affairs role, preferably within the food, logistics, or retail sector.  

•       Experience managing contract lobbyists and working in bipartisan environments.   

•       Experience working in or with food manufacturing, grocery, trucking, warehouse/distribution, or logistics industries.  

Skills/Abilities:

•       Familiarity with state-level food safety, labeling, environmental packaging (e.g., EPR), and transportation laws.  

•       Knowledge of labor and employment policies relevant to warehousing and fleet operations (e.g., meal/rest break laws, wage/hour, CDL licensing).  

•       Proven track record of influencing state-level legislation and regulations.  

•       Ability to travel 40–50% as needed across states in which the company operates.  

•       Deep knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes, and a working understanding of food supply chain and distribution issues.   

•       Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and persuasive writing.  

•       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.  

Work Environment:

Remote Role: 

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager. 

Travel:

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.
• Travel is required up to (40-50) % for this position.   

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, etc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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