Job Overview:

The Supplier Relationship Manager Assistant supports key elements of UNFI’s supplier engagement process, including research, onboarding coordination, and cross-functional communication.  The role helps prepare insights, maintain supplier data and facilitate workflows that enable effective supplier partnerships and successful product launches.  This internship provides broad exposure to supplier relationship management within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What does it mean to be part of the Internship Program at UNFI?

This internship program offers current university students a hands‑on opportunity to explore UNFI and gain exposure to the core functions of our organization. Designed to bridge academic learning with real‑world application, the program provides a robust educational experience for undergraduates pursuing business and technology related degrees.

Interns will engage in project‑based work across multiple disciplines, developing a strong understanding of the strategy, execution, and operations behind a leading grocery distribution organization. The program aims to cultivate future leaders within UNFI and the broader grocery industry by enhancing the intern’s business acumen, professional skills, and industry knowledge through mentorship and business aptitude training.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Conducts market and category research to identify industry trends, growth channels, and new product opportunities that support the Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) strategies.

·       Supports supplier sourcing and selection by gathering supplier intelligence, screening opportunities, and documenting recommendations for SRM review.

·       Assists with supplier onboarding execution, coordinating required information and tracking tasks to ensure timely, accurate setup for new suppliers.

·       Contributes to revenue‑generation planning for new suppliers by helping outline launch plans and marketing revenue opportunities that support successful market entry.

·       Develops presentation materials (e.g., Business Reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs)), compiling insights, visuals, and performance summaries alongside the SRM.

·       Monitors and triages the “New Product Canada” inbox, summarizing submissions and communicating appropriately with SRMs and prospective suppliers based on feedback and next steps.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Supports cross‑functional collaboration (e.g., with marketing, category, and operations) to gather inputs for supplier onboarding and launch plans.

·       Contributes to meeting prep and follow‑ups, including agendas, note‑taking, and action tracking for SRM 1:1s, business reviews, and QBRs.

·       Assists with data management, ensuring supplier records, onboarding trackers, and presentation archives are current and organized.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Enrolled full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited university

·       GPA of 3.0 or higher

·       Must be authorized to work in Canada

·       Must be a third- or fourth-year student (minimum of 60 credits completed by the start of the program)

·       Target Majors: 

o   Non-IT & Business-related majors: Accounting, Business Admin, Business Management, Communications, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Mathematics, Psychology 

o   IT related majors: Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems, IT Project Management, Data Science, Networking, Software Management  

Experience:

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Excellent communication and presentation skills

·       Ability to interact with all levels of the business

·       Ability to manage and coordinate projects

·       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.  

·       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.