Regional Produce Sales Merchandiser

This role is responsible for managing the wholesale sales, pricing, promotion & merchandising plan of Melissa’s products purchased in the Fargo, Grand Rapids & Indianapolis.

Responsibilities

Put together yearly business plan in collaboration with Melissa’s & SpartanNash with period updates on progress /results.

Advise/work with the Category Management team on product assortment/selection through appropriate analysis such as adding new items, AD promotions, deleting poor-performing items to allow Category Managers, and the ability to provide the appropriate support to all customers.

Provide staff assistance for sales calls, procurement, merchandising, and marketing plans. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. Oversee/Manage the day-to-day operation along with Melissa’s associates within the account in facilitating the below tasks:

• Manage daily inventory
• Cross-dock program
• New Item Set-up
• Weekly price updates
• Weekly presell/prebook offers
• Assist at store level with resets /grand openings
• Implement & assist with new /current Melissa’s programs ( Hatch Pepper Season; Freaky-Fruits; Citrus Fest; Lunar New Year)

Lead /manage other Melissa’s team members within the account to establish and maintain relationships with all corporate & independent customers across all regions.

Including /not limited to:

• Produce Managers
• Store Directors
• Store Owners
• Sales Managers
• Regional Produce Merchandiser
• Procurement managers
• Category Managers
• SpartanNash Senior Leadership

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication, financial acumen, strategic problem-solving, leadership, analytical skills, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.
• Comprehensive understanding of product lines, inventory management, and store operations.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint).
• Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Produce Pro, Biceps, and ITrade Purchasing Systems are a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 30% within the assigned region, with occasional national trips

Metrics Focus & Responsibility

• Navigate internal applications to obtain information to relate performance.
• Monitor and be able to relate account budget and goal performance to targets
• Meet or exceed category and account budgeted sales/volume targets
• Maintain knowledge of store performance in produce as per guidelines
• Engage a sales-driving and volume-minded focus in sync with customers’ needs
• Assessing the effectiveness of different product displays and store layouts on sales figures

Essential Skills and Requirements

• Working knowledge of computers & software as utilized in the sales environment

• MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Windows, and Produce Pro operating systems

• Working knowledge of iPhone and e-mail systems

• Ability to consistently meet deadlines and work under pressure

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

• Forecast customer needs

• Work within a team environment

• Complete tasks independently

• Learn new skills and tasks as needed; (continuous improvement through reading, consumer engagement and team collaboration)

• Ability to compile information into finished reports; (Job requirement)

• Possess a strong understanding of produce products and their specifications

Physical Skills & Requirements

• Majority of time spent working in a store environment often standing, merchandising displays, lifting, walking, kneeling, climbing stairs

• Operating computers and physical activities related to the in-store environment for long periods

• Daily driving 3 to 4 hours per day

• Ability to lift 40 pounds without undue physical exertion