**Must reside in the Minneapolis, MN area**

Job Overview:

The Sales Consultant – Center Store is responsible for the development, coordination, and evaluation of activities within assigned sales territory to ensure ongoing sales growth for the Center Store categories/brands and UNFI customers.  This role will be responsible for managing Center Store categories/brands’ growth while achieving margin targets.  This role will collaborate with Region Sales for key accounts on the development and growth of Center Store categories/brands within their targeted accounts. Additionally, acts as the Center Store category expert on topics as it relates to Sales.

What does it mean to be part of the Sales team?  

The Sales team is responsible for providing high quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for their assigned customer(s). Our sales team is crucial in delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. With an ever-expanding selection of 1,000 new products every month, our team helps maximize sales with the right assortment of products based on customers' demographics and lifestyle. We are responsible for creating relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty to help our customers achieve their goals, delivering better together.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop sales plans with key retailers to provide a best-practices approach regarding market positioning and competing effectively within the Center Store categories/brands.

• Partners and collaborates with Region Sales as a Center Store category/brand expert – drives sales in partnership with sales with key accounts while assisting sales leadership in conducting annual business reviews, specific to Center Store categories/brands with key accounts – establishes sales plans for assigned accounts.

• Responsible for the sales and profit results within their assigned territory of Center Store categories/brands.

• Identifies customer needs and opportunities of Center Store categories/brands to preserve existing business and develop new business in accounts and develops, manages, and sustains strong working relationships with internal and external constituents to drive overall sales growth and profitability of the Center Store categories/brands.

• Monitors progress/performance of Center Store category/brand sales and margin to ensure expected outcomes are achieved.

• Provide training and support as needed to Region Sales on Center Store category/brand strategy and initiatives and manage and participate in customer sales meetings/calls as needed/necessary to provide Center Store category/brand expertise that will drive sales.

• Participates in in-person UNFI and industry events/shows as needed to drive category sales and meet with customers/suppliers and will create, execute, and report on store routing schedule conducting regular in-person store visits, category resets, and key account meetings.

• Performs other job duties as assigned/required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred, or equivalent experience and training.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of related experience is required.

• Center Store category/brand experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in sales strategies and techniques with excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Thorough understanding of Company products, services, and competitor’s product lines.

• Strong project management, and strong leadership with organizational and analytical skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines a requirement for navigating ambiguous or newly emerging issues and setting direction.

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

•  Ability to travel as needed/required.

Work Environment:

Hybrid/Remote Role:

• This position follows a hybrid/Remote schedule, visiting Retailers (3 - 5) days per week. 

Travel (major):

• Travel is required up to 90% for this position.

• Must live within the region or territory.

     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, Hybrid, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mileage reimbursement, cell phone, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, etc.

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