Job Overview:

The National Multi-Cultural Category Manager is responsible for managing the UNFI merchandising strategy for assigned products to include promotional activity, product assortment across the UNFI network, shelf planograms and sales driving programs for UNFI customers.  Category Managers must develop strong working relationships with the supplier and brokers to effectively manage supplier funds including trade and promotions.  In addition, the Category Manager manages new supplier selection, ensuring competitive pricing as well as industry standard payment terms for UNFI.

Job Responsibilities:

• Category Management.  Implementing and maintaining an effective merchandising strategy across products, placement and promotions.

• Develop category business plans for assigned categories, using all available resources, including analysis of both internal and syndicated data, (validated) manufacturer input and expertise, commodity reports, trade/industry news, consumer trends and customer feedback. Measures results and adjusts plans as needed.

• Initiate and implement new sales driving opportunities whether in response to changing needs/environment or to create a new source of excitement/demand through creative merchandising

• Understand workings of Supplier funds and trade management.   Must have ability to research and analyze financial metrics and create solutions to close sales and margin gaps.

• Liaison for key retailers in conjunction with Region Merchandising to strengthen business relationships, work through merchandising opportunities or obstacles and improve customer satisfaction and grow category sales.

• Perform post promotional analysis to validate plan execution and adjust future plans.

• Provide sales team with retailer needs on request, providing data points, facilitating and participating in meetings, serving as liaison to brokers/vendors as required.

• Ensure New Items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate communication to the Region Merchandising teams.

• Responsible for proofing all promotions and program details for accuracy.

• Ensure SOX compliance for deal acceptance and sell audit reporting

• Collaborate with Procurement and Warehouse operations to meet customers service level requirements and maximize sales through proper planning and forecasting. Assists in developing purchasing path to insure lowest possible cost of goods and handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals. Assists in inventory disposition as required.

• Champion UNFI Brands+ assortment, manage Brands + role in category and programs as appropriate.

• Collaborate as needed with Supplier Management team regarding broker and suppliers opportunities and concerns. Uphold terms and conditions of all Supplier Agreements.

• Collaborate with Customer Service on any retail issues regarding merchandising programs.

• Resolve internal and external customer requests and concerns with a high level of professionalism.

• Manage applicable state/local tax requirements at the category or item level as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

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

• Retail, wholesale and/or vendor experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

• Microsoft office expertise, basic knowledge of distribution systems preferred.

• Solid negotiating skills.

• Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people in person, via phone, and via electronic communication.

• Ability to influence without authority.

• Requires the ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.

• Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category and overall vendor funds management performance.

• Understanding of cash flow, regarding payment terms and inventory management.

• 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 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.  

• Incumbent 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.