Job Overview:

Manages the success of supplier marketing programs for all stakeholders – UNFI, Suppliers and Customers through collaboration with the Supplier Experience and Category Management teams on long-term promotional planning – the right assortment, at the right time, while exceeding revenue goals.  Researches and analyzes the competitive landscape and provides insights and solutions to facilitate cutting-edge effectiveness through marketing vehicles.  Works in conjunction with Supplier Services team on the development of innovative marketing vehicles that drive company profitability and sales execution.  Responsible for the evaluation and adherence of all long-term promotional planning based on Category Merchandising guidance, input, and expertise to ensure assortment and program goals are met and revenue expectation are achieved. 

What does it mean to be part of the Category Merchandising team?

Whether it’s overseeing produce, bakery/deli, meat, center store, general merchandise, health and beauty, this team manages and drives a category for the organization. A role in category merchandising involves business planning, financial analysis, pricing, participating in review of assortment, shelf management, advertising promotions, negotiations with suppliers and sourcing. A 100% unique approach, proven to increase sales and profitability. It’s having the right assortment of products, based on your customers’ demographics and lifestyle. Solid category strategies. Better customer satisfaction. More efficiency.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Development, management, and execution of all long-term program promotional planning through UNFI’s key marketing programs.  

• Manages program performance and deliverables through real-time evaluation of analytics on supplier revenue, supplier performance, and retailer participation.  

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of new and innovative marketing vehicles that drive profitability for all stakeholders. Program development is done via gathering competitive and market research.   

• Responsible for the development of key marketing materials for all key stakeholders.   

• Responsible for the training, education, and communication of all marketing programs and deliverables to both internal and external stakeholders.  

Additional Responsibilities  

• Manages, tracks, and reports program performance. 

• Develops category targets for marketing programs to ensure proper criteria and assortment parameters are met.  Manages and monitors performance against those set parameters.  

• Manages marketing billings, as needed, to ensure revenue collection from our suppliers is complete and timely.  

• Attends UNFI showcases, as needed, to support suppliers onsite with issues/concerns at the supplier support services counter.   

• Maintains professional relations with suppliers, trade professionals, and external contacts to promote a positive image of the Company.  Ensures delivery of products and services exceed client expectations.   

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.  

• Ensures that plans, goals, and policies are consistent with established Company-wide goals and development activities are cost-effective, efficient and within established budget constraints.  

• Develop reporting as needed/requested. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field 

 Experience: 

• Five or more years or related business management or marketing.  

  Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of industry trends, opportunities, products and competitors.  

• Excellent understanding of business and marketing strategies. 

• Excellent understanding of promotional techniques, protocols, and pricing strategies, distribution channels, and competitive set. 

• Ability to work well independently, prioritize and complete tasks in a fast-paced environment 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills 

• Solid analytical, creative and problem-solving abilities 

• Ability to organize, coordinate and execute projects 

• Solid accounting and budget development skills 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications  

 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: (Select Appropriate option for role)

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. 

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO plan, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mentorship program/developmental opportunities.