*MUST RESIDE IN NORTHERN MINNEAPOLIS OR DULUTH OR BRAINERD MINNESOTA*

PURPOSE:

This position 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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops 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

• Assists 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

• 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

• Supports assigned accounts with appropriate operational support that enhances their ability to drive mutual results for the retailer and UNFI

• 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

• Manages and participates in customer sales meetings/calls as needed/necessary to provide Center Store category/brand expertise that will drive sales

• Participates in-person UNFI and industry events/shows as needed to drive category sales and meet with customers/suppliers

• Creates, executes, and reports on store routing schedule conducting regular in-person store visits, category resets and key account meetings

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

• Performs other job duties as assigned/required

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)

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

Experience:

• 5 years of related experience required

• Center Store category/brand experience preferred

Other Skills/ Abilities:

• Proficient in sales strategies and techniques

• 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 skills

• Solid leadership skills

• Organizational and analytical skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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

• Ability to travel as needed/required

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Travel is required

• Must live within the region or territory

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at 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, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday

• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.