Job Overview: The primary goal of the Associate Category 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 Category 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 category assortment and working with the category manager to support business planning tasks with suppliers and retailers.

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.
• Maintain relevant assortment necessary to meet customer needs, including regional and local brands and unique demographic requirements. Work with category manager to rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling 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 retails, negotiated costs and margin with the direction of the category manager lead or Director.
• Actively participate in promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, local programs, Long Term Promotional Pricing (SED) and Temporary Price Reductions.
• 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 Coordinator to validate plan execution and adjust future plans.
• Collaborate with Category Manager on local broker and vendor opportunities and concerns. Uphold terms and conditions of all Vendor Agreements.
• 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.
• Collaborate with Category Manager on any issues regarding missing allowances, product costs and fees.
• Collaborate with Procurement to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly as requested or provides alternative solutions when that is not possible.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelors Degree preferred 

Experience:

• Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of 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 including 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 ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
• Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category and overall vendor funds management performance.

Work Environment:

Hybrid Role:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office three days per week. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.

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.

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.