Job Overview:

Job Overview:
The Senior Manager Category is responsible for all areas of functional and strategic category management and related merchandising activities (e.g., Category Manager Teams, vendor negotiations) that pertain to his/her assigned categories. Accountable for the sales, margin, and expense control P&L contribution for the assigned team.  Additionally, this person is responsible for supervising, training, setting goals, and developing the assigned staff. 

What does it mean to be part of the Merchandising Team?

Whether it’s overseeing produce, bakery/deli, meat, center store, general merchandise, health, or beauty, this team manages and drives a category for the organization. A role in category merchandising involves business planning, financial analysis, pricing, participating in the review of assortment, shelf management, advertising promotions, negotiations with suppliers, and sourcing. A 100% unique approach, proven to increase sales and profitability. It’s having the right assortment of products based on your customers’ demographics and lifestyle. Solid category strategies. Better customer satisfaction. More efficiency. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Ensures merchandising plans/programs are developed to achieve sales targets, including ad quality/accuracy, selling show assortment/deal depth, and Semester planning activities.
• Responsible for sales and gross profit results for assigned categories.
• Supervises Category Managers and category support staff to properly coordinate category management activities that will significantly impact the region's performance and sales.
• Attains assigned goals despite program complexity, handles multiple priorities, develops competitive programs, and maneuvers through large amounts of data smoothly.
• Acts as a representative when needed and works closely with the sales team to communicate programs and achieve sales targets.
• Provides direction, sets, and monitors goals for the Category Manager Team.
• Responsible for SOX compliance across the assigned team and ensuring all legal/tax compliance is adhered to for assigned categories and areas of responsibility.
• Oversight of the New Item Speed to Shelf process, new item first to market initiatives and new item trend communication.
• Oversight of the Shelf Management process.
• Resolves Vendor/Customer/Retailer Issues.
• Acts as a Tactical, Regional Category Strategy and Program Development lead for the assigned area.
• Builds and Maintains Strategic Customer Relationships.
• Partners on Strategic Marketing Program and Plan Development.
• Review period data to assess sales, service levels, and category profitability, and make adjustments as needed.
• Support Brand + initiatives and as well as work with the merchandising team on guiding the Brands role in category and execution of promotional plans.
• Ensures merchandising plans/programs are developed to achieve sales targets, including advertising.
• Reviews and manages vendor chargeback approval for assigned categories.
• Responsible for P&L expense metrics- aged inventory, supplier program income, and epass management.
• Works closely with the sales team to drive execution for programs, as well as communicating program sales results and gap closure opportunities as needed.
• Conducts Staff Training, Development, and Supervision.
• Builds and Maintains Relationships with Top 25 Key Retailers and does appropriate category business planning with key customers.

Job Requirements: 

Education/ Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

  
  Experience: 

• Five (5) years’ Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications

Skills/Abilities:

• Proven supervision experience, including familiarity with Performance Management processes.
• Proven understanding of financial reports, including prior experience with profit and loss (P&L) Statement responsibility.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to supervise the work of others. Must be able to motivate and work with and through others to achieve desired results.
• Excellent communication skills in person, via electronic communication media, and in writing.
• Computer skills required, including spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication tools. Requires the ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess the ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
• Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category, and overall vendor funds.

• 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 (minor): 

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

  
  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 or Competitive PTO plan, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, etc.

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