Job Overview:

The Category Specialist is responsible for executing specialized support tasks in a specific merchandising department. These functions are exercised across various systems and require timely input with a high level of accuracy. Will provide support for tasks related to executing sales and merchandising strategies.

Job Responsibilities:

·       Trains and/or mentors other Category Specialist associates

·       Oversee more escalated issues from other Category Specialists

·       Performs research and informational analysis at the direction of the Category Manager or Director

·       Identifies areas of opportunity and develops solutions (utilizing report data for category)

·       Handles and coordinates tasks with full-department scope (i.e. new item setup, item maintenance, discontinued items)

·       Provides support across multiple categories and DCs

·       Coordinates more complex project work that may involve multiple DC locations and coordination across multiple

·       Category Managers (i.e. building Expo Books)

·       Handles escalated customer requests or questions

·       Gathers and inputs information into the promotional planning systems and communicates that information to the appropriate retailers and/or regions.

·       Responsible for keeping information related to assortment and shelf accurate in the appropriate systems.

·       Communicate pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions. Ensures accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with Category Manager.

·       Responsible for accurate input of deals into the appropriate systems. Assists the Category Manager in accurate record keeping associated with contracts, deals and promotions.

·       Provides as needed support to the Category Manager related to planning. Assists in gathering appropriate information, record keeping and filing related to planning process.

·       Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and is a liaison between other business planning groups.

·       Processes exception orders and order entry in the system.

·       Reviews and approves vendor promotions.

·       Information gathering, compiling and spread sheet creation

·       Develops, maintains and reviews basic Excel templates and reports

·       Provides Vendor support as necessary such as sending samples or picking up products.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       2-year degree or equivalent experience.

Experience:

·       4-6 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Excellent internal system knowledge.

·       Intermediate computer skills. Intermediate ability to work with Microsoft applications and use them as tools to organize information and solve complex problems.

·       Ability to gather information, analyze, articulate and solve complex problems.

·       Ability to oversee and balance information from multiple sources for multiple categories

·       Possess ability to direct, organize, lead other Category Specialists and Category Specialist II associates.

·       Ability to handle escalated questions and inquiries from customers/vendors

·       Ability to prioritize and manage against multiple competing priorities

·       Strong planning and organizational skills will be required. Must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, etc.) and use them to organize information.

·       Basic understanding of business planning and category management preferred.

·       Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, matrixed environment. Must be able to work effectively within your own team while developing strong relationships with others such as other internal teams, vendors and

·       customers.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships.

·       Must have a strong attention to detail. Accurate input of information into multiple systems is critical to this position.

·       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.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time 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.  

·       Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the 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.