UNFI is a company focused on supporting merchandising strategies for assigned categories. The Associate Category Manager - Fresh will assist in managing promotional strategies, supplier communications, and category assortments while working closely with the Category Manager to support business planning tasks.
Support 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
Ensure that New Items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate communication to retail
Maintain relevant assortment necessary to meet retail customer needs, including regional and local brands and unique demographic requirements
Work with category manager to rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling cost of carrying inventory, shrink and spoilage in assigned categories
Responsible for working with Shelf Management and Category Manager to support timely plan-o-gram execution for assigned categories
Accurately manage sell price including vendor cost, freight, BIV and active sales with the direction of the category manager lead or Director
Actively participate in promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, Selling shows, Region programs, Long Term Promotional Pricing (SED) and Temporary Price Reductions
Ad Groups & Ad Item Play, suggested retail, all promotional costs and windows, and any specific requirements of performance are communicated in collaboration with the Sales & Promotion team
Negotiate with brokers and vendors on all aspects of category merchandising plans with the input of the Category Manager
Solicits support drive profitable sales that meet and exceed retail customer demands and marketplace competition
Responsible for proofing all deals, communications, and advertising vehicles for accuracy for assigned categories
Work with Category Manager and Category Merchandising Specialist to validate plan execution and adjust future plans
Provide sales team with retailer needs on request, providing data points, facilitating and participating in meetings, serving as liaison to brokers/vendors as required
Collaborate with Corporate Merchandising on local broker and vendor opportunities and concerns
Uphold terms and conditions of all Corporate Vendor Agreements
Assists in developing purchasing path to insure lowest possible cost of goods and handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals
Assists in inventory disposition as required
Collaborate with Customer Service on any retail issues regarding missing allowances, product costs and fees
Collaborate with Dated Order Team to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly as requested or provide alternative solutions when that is not possible
Resolve internal and external customer requests and concerns with a high level of professionalism, working with the Category Manager for support and guidance as needed
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree preferred
0-1 years of retail and/or vendor experience preferred
Basic knowledge of internal Buying system is 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
Computer skills required include spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication tools
Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities
Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions
Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category and overall vendor funds management performance
Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available
Preferred
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Sick Time
Paid holidays and parental leave
401K Program
Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance program
Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account
