Purpose: 

Plan, execute and administer the Region Retail Technology activities involving the marketing, installation, and training of retail store improvement systems and the implementation and support of essential UNFI strategic technology systems, while achieving budgeted Retail Systems sales and profits for assigned retail customers.  Provide a focal point for the implementation of Retail Technology marketing plans in coordination with other regional organizations, Corporate UNFI, and outside resources, for assigned UNFI affiliated retail customers across the Region.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Manage Retail Technology retailer relationships to include establishing individual retailer technology implementation plans with assigned UNFI affiliated retailers, in conjunction with Regional R/T Director and Manager, Regional Marketing, Category Management and Development departments.  Interact with Regional R/T Director to develop territory specific R/T marketing plan to attain UNFI Corporate R/T and Regional goals that improve Wholesale food profit performance, increase retailer participation, and improve retailer profitability

·       Interact with the Retail Business Consultant in assessing and diagnosing retailer operational issues. Identify where R/T products may provide benefit to solve operational issues.  Recommend solutions and work with store management to implement solutions

·       Diagnose retailer operational issues that are specific to R/T products.  Develop and recommend solutions to these operational issues.  Coordinate corrective action with store management, Regional R/T and Corporate R/T to implement solutions and/or resolve issues.  Inform Regional R/T Director and/or Corporate R/T Product Manager on the status of these issues

·       Execute marketing plans for assigned accounts through individual retailer presentations, consultations, group presentations, proposal preparation, order processing, site evaluation, project scheduling and coordination, retailer equipment installation and training.  Adhere to Region/Corporate policies for Retailer equipment purchasing and Region capital purchases

·       Provide on-site customer support when required for R/S product offerings.  Interact with the Regional R/T Manager to initiate the hardware/software maintenance for all R/T products installed at retail throughout assigned retail territory.  Monitor service provider performance, remain informed of developments, and take corrective/appropriate actions

·       Remain informed of emerging retailer technology needs and requirements that might have an impact on current products or business strategies.  Communicates and documents all retailer needs and requirements to the Regional Director of R/T

·       Monitor key technology strategies and offerings of competitive wholesalers, retailers, service providers and report findings to Regional R/T Director

·       Assist the Regional R/T Director with the development of R/T sales, income and expense goals for assigned UNFI affiliated retailers.  Responsible for performance against goals and objectives

·       Maintain knowledge of industry developments, changes and improve professional skills by attending Industry conferences, Corporate R/S product training sessions and related education classes or seminars as recommended and approved by the Regional R/T Director

·       Ensure that the Regional Director of Retail Technology is apprised of any region situations or issues which potentially could have significant impact on the region/department performance

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       The incumbent should possess a college degree or equivalent work experience. 

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Possess good leadership skills.  Must be able to motivate and work with and through others to achieve desires results.

·       Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written.  Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone.

·       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

·       The R/T Consultant seldom works in the proximity of supervisors.  They must be able to function effectively with very little supervision. 

·       The incumbent must have the ability to translate complex, rapidly changing, technical solutions into a clear business case for multiple styles of UNFI affiliated retailers.  Attention to detail is critical to success.

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

Work Environment:

·       Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive up to four continuous hours; day, overnight, and travel occasionally by air.

·       Travel overnight and occasionally work long and non-traditional hours as the demands of the position warrant.

·       Perform physical activity including lifting up to 60 pounds, standing, climbing, crouching, stooping and bending in a retail food store.

·       Able to tolerate exposure to store and warehouse conditions including wide variances in temperature, dust, and dirt.

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

·       Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment. 

·       Requires manual dexterity, overall coordination, and good balance to work both at ground level and occasionally in high places to perform job duties. 

Travel (Major)

·       Weekly travel is required for this position

Physical Environment/Demands:

·       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.