Job Overview:

The Merchandising 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 tasks related to executing sales and merchandising strategies.

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

Whether it’s overseeing produce, bakery/deli, meat, center store, general merchandise, health, and 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:

• 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.
• Communicates pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions. Ensures accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with the 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 and assists in gathering appropriate information, record keeping, and filing related to the planning process.
• Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and is a liaison between other business planning groups and processes exception orders and data entry in the system.
• Reviews and approves vendor promotions, as well as information gathering, compiling, and spreadsheet 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 relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications: 

• 2-year degree or equivalent experience.

Experience: 

• 0-2 years of retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with a solid understanding of operations, systems, category management, and merchandising. 

Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong planning and organizational skills will be required. Must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, 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 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.

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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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