Manager Merchandising Execution Lead- Remote-East Coast

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:

• Ability to train and mentor new Category Managers
• Leadership role(s) in a department wide initiative, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation both within the departments and with supporting teams
• Representation of the Department and/or Region in a Corporate wide initiative or effort
• Initiate and implement new sales driving opportunities whether in response to changing needs/environment or to create a new source of excitement/demand through creative merchandising
• Participate in process of interviewing and hiring new staff
• Understand workings of department P&L, ability to research and analyze financial metrics and create solutions.
• Leadership in key vendor or broker relations, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation of sales initiatives and major changes that span multiple CM desks/departments.
• Liaison for key retailers in conjunction with the sales team to strengthen business relationships, work through merchandising opportunities or obstacles and improve customer service and satisfaction Develop category business plans for assigned categories using all available resources, including analysis of both internal and syndicated data, (validated) manufacturer input and expertise, commodity reports, trade/industry news, consumer trends and customer feedback.
• Measures results and adjusts plans as needed.
• Develop and manage communication to retail sales team for all selling programs and category management initiatives. Track participation and sales by DC, sales team and retail customer on all selling programs and category management initiatives.

Performance Measures:

• Productive relationships with vendor partners, retail customers and fellow UNFI associates.
• Accurate management of BIV and Sell 1, including variation/freight components.
• Accurate management and sales execution of all promotional activity.
• Wholesale sales for assigned categories.
• Vendor funds (CMAP % to sales and other metrics).
• Epass/vendor dispute management.
• Aged inventory reserve.
• Item Maintenance accuracy (pack changes, Master item group/line code integrity, new item set up)
• Planogram effectiveness with shelf management/planogram analyst support.
• Accurate management of ad planner, and deal accuracy for all programs.

Decision Authority: The Category Manager has full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of their approved plans and company policy:

• Assortment/Shelf Management Decisions
• Promotional details and execution requirements
• Ad/Promotional item play.
• Category business plans and overall merchandising strategy

Job Requirements:

• Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Five (5) years Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Spectre Daata, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications)
• Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.

Other Skills/ Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of internal Buying system preferred
• Solid negotiating skills
• Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people in person, via phone, and via electronic communication.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment: Remote

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.

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: Medical, Dental, Vision, Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or Competitive PTO plan, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, other benefits applicable to specific role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.