Job Overview:

The primary goal of the Associate Category Manager - Fresh 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:

·       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.

·       Maintain relevant assortment necessary to meet retail 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 sell price including vendor cost, freight, BIV and active 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 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 future plans.

·       Provide 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 terms and conditions of all Corporate 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 Customer Service on any retail issues regarding missing allowances, product costs and fees.

·       Collaborate with 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.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Measures:

·       Productive relationships with vendor partners, retail customers and fellow UNFI associates.

·       Accurate management and sales execution of all promotional activities.

·       Wholesale sales for assigned categories.

·       Vendor funds (CMAP % to sales and other metrics).

·       Aged inventory reserve for assigned categories.

·       Item Maintenance accuracy (pack changes, Master item group/line code integrity, new item set up).

·       Planogram effectiveness with shelf management/planogram analyst support.

·       Accurate management of ad planner, and deal accuracy for all programs.

Decision Authority:

·       The Associate Category Manager will work with the Category Manager Lead or Senior in developing the business strategy and can make decisions to support that strategy, working with leadership on key decisions in these areas:

o   Assortment/Shelf Management Decisions

o   Promotional details and execution requirements

o   Ad/Promotional item play

·       Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

·       Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Basic knowledge of internal Buying system is 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 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 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 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.  

·       Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.

Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.