Job Overview:
Functions as the supplier services professional with primary responsibility to the management of specific suppliers and their products on a regional or national scale where single point of contact is the standard operating procedure in the management of suppliers while delivering retained income through various initiatives and programs. Responsible for the development and management of supplier relationships and maximizing sales and profit opportunities for UNFI, and when strategically in alignment, increasing sales opportunities for the supplier. A core subset in the management of supplier relationships, especially in a single point of contact alignment, is fostering an environment of professional interaction which provides a path to growth and profit for both UNFI and its suppliers.

Job Responsibilities:
Core Responsibilities

• Manages assigned suppliers as a singular point of contact; executes short and long-term category strategies in coordination with supplier as developed by national category merchandising to enhance suppliers’ ability to be a profitable and successful supplier to UNFI.
• Oversees supplier onboarding to ensure supplier is accurately set up in accordance with all UNFI policies and protocols.
• Delivery of retained income in accordance with category merchandising strategies, department, and company goals.
• Negotiates and executes supplier agreements and implements policies in accordance with company guidelines.
• Provides regular instruction to suppliers regarding pricing, procedures, and business protocols.
• Ensure suppliers, customers, third parties, business alliances, and internal constituents are well informed through continual feedback and communication.
• Promotes a positive image of the company and ensures company’s professional reputation is maintained.
  Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.

Experience:

• 5-7 years of related business development in sales, purchasing, or related fields.
• Experience managing supplier relationships with an associated experience in supplier mentoring and training.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Excellent understanding of market penetration strategies, market development techniques, and market segmentation strategies, coupled with a high-level insight to retailer trends and consumer behaviors.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Excellent understanding of natural, organic, and specialty suppliers and their capabilities.
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of promotional techniques, protocols, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and competitive set.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, manufacturing costs, and product price components.
• Excellent leadership abilities.
• Able to organize, coordinate, and direct projects.
• Strong oral and communication abilities.
• Solid analytical and technical skills.
• Computer literate with ability to use all related hardware and software.

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 (major):

• Travel is required up to (%) for this position.

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.