Job Overview:

The Office Services & Samples Specialist is responsible for management of incoming and outgoing shipments to support and grow new business, including sales, marketing, customer presentations, tradeshows, new item launches, and promotional events. This will have a strong attention to detail and be able to follow detailed processes and urgent timelines as well as being able to communicate with all stakeholders effectively. This position is customer service oriented (in support of our Sales and marketing teams and customers).

What does it mean to be part of our Brands+ Team?

UNFI Brands+ is one of the most comprehensive private label programs available today. With over 5,000 products across 200 categories throughout the store, we believe we have what today’s consumer is seeking from national brand equivalents to opening price points to gourmet, specialty, and organic offerings. Joining our team of food scientists, product developers, brand managers, sourcing experts, product managers, and chefs, you would be part of delivering quality category-leading brands to consumers, diversifying assortment to attract a wider range of shoppers, and build shopper loyalty. More choices for consumers and more opportunities for retailers striving to make our customers stronger and our food solutions more inspired.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Independently prepares outgoing parcels for shipment, including UPS CampusShip® procedures for Owned Brands storeroom pick up.

·       Assists with receiving and processing of incoming parcels and samples to Owned Brands storeroom, including coordination with mailroom and loading / unloading trucks.

·       Leads problem-solving communication with shipping and receiving freight carriers.

·       Collaborates with Product Development to meet product imaging needs, including coordination of delivery, completing submission paperwork, and maintaining item trackers on SharePoint.

·       Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and efficient Owned Brands storeroom environment.

·       Processes orders by physically packing and shipping food (Dry, Refrigerated, and Frozen) and non-food samples, following all food safety, OSHA, and internal standard operating procedures.

·       Maintains inventory by monitoring stock, placing orders, and receiving product samples and sampling materials into the Owned Brands storeroom according to standard operating procedures.

·       Retrieves product samples from local grocery outlets, as applicable.

·       Monitors and responds to email correspondence requesting sample updates or changes. This includes external suppliers, customers, and other Brands+ affiliates.

·       Manages sample order requests directly with customer service for Natural items or PDQA team for Conventional DC items.

·       Completes necessary paperwork and tracking for each order, providing continuous and detailed email correspondence to hit agreed upon deadlines.

·       Independently interacts with internal associates including Sales, Sales Ops, Brand and Social Marketing, Product Development, International, DC Operations, and Leadership.

·       Maintains daily inventory and sample management within corresponding Excel trackers on SharePoint.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Interacts with tradeshow team and leads coordination of product samples to appropriate locations on time.

·       Works with internal team and 3rd party warehouse to coordinate shipping of tradeshow materials and merchandising.

·       Collaborates with Brand Marketing and Design teams to create product mock-up samples.

·       Performs and documents product mock-up inventory assessments at 3rd party warehouse.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Associate’s degree or similar work experience.

Experience:

·       At least one to two years in a professional working environment.

·       Can provide specific work examples of successful independent project work and as a member of a team.

·       General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, personal and food safety.

Knowledge:

·       Ability to learn working knowledge of UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other various shipping carriers.

·       Ability to learn working knowledge of regulations including, but not limited to, FDA, DOT, OSHA, and EPA.

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) required.

·       Personally-motivated and acts with a sense of urgency.

·       Strong attention to detail and accuracy with a strong focus on delivering on agreed upon timelines.

·       Excellent time management, self-management, and organizational skills.

·       Ability to manage various projects at the same time.

·       Flexible and adaptable to learning and understanding new processes and technologies.

·       Has reliable form of transportation and ability to commute to Brands+ office in Hopkins, MN

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

Work Environment:

Onsite Role:

·       This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of our UNFI locations, such as a distribution center or office.

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.

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: *Include any that apply to your role, delete not applicable benefits* Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or Competitive PTO plan, Remote or Hybrid, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mileage reimbursement, cell phone, LTI, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, other benefits applicable to specific role.

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.