Purpose: 

The Planogram Analyst is responsible for planning, creating, and managing planograms for all assigned categories using Space Planning software and the associated database. Planogram Analyst will work closely with Category Merchandisers and Assortment Analysts to ensure that the most locally relevant assortment is represented on retail and wholesale planograms.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Utilize space planning techniques, processes, and workflow to drive higher levels of efficiency and simplify procedures. Ensure Space Planning software and associated database are utilized to the highest level of functionality appropriate for the business.

·       Creative in the absence of guidelines and/or direction from a Merchant. Ability to draw conclusions and make assortment and/or planogram recommendations. Capable of creating planograms from scratch for entire center store, grocery, frozen, dairy and GMHBC, while considering regional trends.

·       Query and cross-reference data to provide enhanced insights & analytics in support of intelligent planogram design relative to item selection, shelf placement, and local market or customer segment needs. Develop standard space planning reporting to share key information and insights with the business.

·       As a category expert, exercise independent judgement with regards to product flow, brand representation and pack out to increase sales and minimize restocking costs for our retailers.

·       Is comfortable in autonomy and ambiguity, while also having the ability to collaborate and innovate with others to quickly bring solutions to life in our ever-changing environment.

·       Responsible for adhering to financial budget by maintaining weekly allocated category reset hours for area of responsibility. Strategically evaluate shelf moves to control expenses.

·       Actively engages in the maintenance of UNFI Shelving Principles. Ensures principles are maintained and consistently executed on planograms.

·       Train and mentor manufacturer/broker Planogram Analysts by equipping them with tools and techniques enabling them to perform space planning job functions independently and more effectively.

·       Collaborate with Adjacency Planning/Store Mapping team to ensure space planning practices support and maintain data integrity within the database.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Associate degree or equivalent related experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Operations Management, or related field preferred.

Experience:

·       3+ years category management, operations and/or merchandising experience required. Additional experience with space management software applications and/or related technology preferred.

·       Experience with Blue Yonder Space Planning software a plus.

·       Store operations and set crew experience a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

·       Knowledge of the food industry including trends happening.

·       Fundamental understanding of merchandising principles & placement on the shelf

·       Ability to work effectively as part of a team, including being remote from the team.

·       Must have solid written and verbal communication skills

·       Good interpersonal skills needed to facilitate cross-functional work between multiple parties.

·       Ability to work independently and exercise good judgement

·       Must possess the ability to motivate and work with and through others, frequently from other functional areas, to achieve desired results.

·       Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

·       Experienced in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

·       Ability to assimilate information quickly and accurately.

·       Action orientated and continuous improvement driven.

·       Detailed and well organized.

·       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.  

·       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.