Job Overview:

The primary goal of the Associate Merch Execution Manager is to support the merchandising strategy for assigned categories and the overall Category Management team. This role is intended to be a progression step to a Merch Execution Manager role and includes smaller scope category management tasks: managing and executing the promotional strategy for a smaller scope category, managing specific supplier communication, soliciting and approving promotional plans, managing DC assortment, and working with the category manager to support business planning tasks with suppliers and retailers.

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

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

Core Responsibilities: Support 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.

• Ensure that New Items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate communication to retail.

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

• Maintain a relevant assortment necessary to meet retail customer needs, including regional and local brands and unique demographic requirements. Work with the category manager to rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling the cost of carrying inventory, shrink, and spoilage in assigned categories.

• Responsible for working with Shelf Management and Category Manager to support timely plan-o-gram execution for assigned categories.

• Accurately manage the selling price, including vendor cost, freight, BIV, and actively sell with the direction of the Category Manager, Lead, or Director.

• Actively participate in promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, Selling shows, Region programs, Long Term Promotional Pricing (SED), and Temporary Price Reductions. Ad Groups & Ad Item Play, suggested retails, all promotional costs and windows, and any specific requirements of performance are communicated in collaboration with the Sales & Promotion team.

• Negotiate with brokers and vendors on all aspects of category merchandising plans with the input of the Category Manager. Solicits support to drive profitable sales that meet and exceed retail customer demands and marketplace competition.

• Responsible for proofing all deals, communications, and advertising vehicles for accuracy for assigned categories.

• Work with Category Manager and Category Merchandising Specialist to validate plan execution and adjust plans.

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

• Collaborate with Corporate Merchandising on local broker and vendor opportunities and concerns. Uphold the terms and conditions of all Corporate Vendor Agreements.

• Assists in developing a purchasing path to ensure the lowest possible cost of goods and handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals. Assists in inventory disposition as required.

• Collaborate with Customer Service on any retail issues regarding missing allowances, product costs, and fees.

• Collaborate with the Dated Order Team to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly as requested, or provide alternative solutions when that is not possible.

• Resolve internal and external customer requests and concerns with a high level of professionalism, working with the Category Manager for support and guidance as needed.

• Ensure SOX compliance for deal acceptance and sell audit reporting.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications: 

•  Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of our internal Buying system 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.

• Computer skills required include spreadsheet and database tools, and electronic communication tools. Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess the ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.

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

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

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