Job Overview:

The Equipment Administrator is responsible for supporting teams with planning and sourcing of equipment. This position purchases equipment on behalf of retailer for new store and remodel projects supporting Independent Retailers. Serving as the primary point of contact for equipment procurement activities, this role partners closely with Store Design, Sourcing, Project Management, vendors, contractors, and retail owners to ensure equipment is specified, ordered, delivered, and supported according to project requirements.

The Equipment Administrator manages approximately 20-25 projects annually, supporting equipment sales of $5M-$7M, while ensuring accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and timely project execution.

Job Responsibilities:

• Acts as the central point of contact both internally and externally for equipment purchase related activities assigned to new or remodeled grocery retail projects

• Works closely with the equipment retail owner, sourcing specialists, store planners, refrigeration design manager and project managers to identify unique equipment needs that are required for assigned projects

• Utilizes the project guidelines set in place and adjusts direction of project based on internal project management involvement or retailers without outside assistance

• Communicates with outside architects & engineers and contractors to share equipment specifications, plan update and shipment schedules

• Ensures the completion and accuracy of final store equipment list for assigned new and remodel projects working closely with all parties involved

• Maintains good working relationships with vendor partners to resolve problems such as missing shipments, replacement of damaged goods, invoice issues, etc. 

• Provides accurate equipment “cutsheet” specification for all tagged equipment items for a project.

• Coordinates with freight forwarders and ocean carriers for international projects

• Releases orders for equipment utilizing the UNFI Oracle purchasing system per approved credit limits

• Handles all equipment failures or service problems with suppliers while under warranty for assigned projects

• Monitors purchase order receipts/returns/corrections

• Interfaces with accounting and sourcing team on invoice issues

• Provides evaluation and feedback regarding vendor performance to sourcing team for evaluation of future work during sourcing processes

• Consults directly with retailers on equipment needs and then coordinates with the sourcing team on quoting

• Expected to manage 20-25 projects and scopes that will generate equipment sales between $5M to $7M annually Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: Education/ Certifications: (Required/Preferred-list requirement is required or preferred)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Market, Accounting, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:

• 3+ years retail equipment purchasing or buyer related experience where a basic understanding of purchasing procedures has been developed

• Experience related to equipment purchasing preferred

• Experience in reviewing project plans for equipment takeoffs, preparation of budgets and    understanding scheduling guidelines related to project construction activities

• Direct purchasing experience with a strong comprehensive understanding of purchasing methodologies, project processes and procedures that have been developed

• Experience with Oracle Purchasing or similar ERP systems preferred

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

• Good organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through

• Possess strong analytical skills and knowledge to identify opportunities and make recommendations for solutions based on solid understanding of business landscape

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based applications

• Must have the ability to represent the Company’s interests to outside professionals and vendors

• Decision making ability necessary to purchase products or services congruent with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies

• Organizational, interpersonal skills to coordinate with Finance and Accounting on inventory carrying costs; buying organization and/or user departments and to handle procedures related to receipts, receipt corrections and receipt returns

• Ability to read and comprehend design plans

• Experience resolving payment with suppliers and user departments

• Interpersonal and dispute resolutions skills to resolve problems with suppliers and user departments

• Ability to coordinate review and respond to supplier inquiries, protests and appeals

• Ability to manage and mediate equipment-related issues and project deadlines

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.