The primary goal of the Region Category Merchandiser is to aggressively manage the retail promotional and program support.
Job Responsibilities:
The position of Category Merchandiser will be responsible for retail merchandising decisions and execution. Retail merchandising decisions and communications will include ad item play, retail pricing, promotional reflect window and ad/promotional forecast adjustments. Retail communications include Buyers' Fair/Quarterly promotional survey production. Additional responsibilities include managing retailer participation and signups on corporate programs and automatic distribution programs. This position is responsible for working with Shelf Management to timely plan-o-gram execution and to ensure retail category compliance. The end result of these communications is to increase retail participation and execution on promotions and category management initiatives, which will improve retail sales and retail profits.
Manage communication to retail of all promotional programs and category management initiatives developed by HO Merchandising.
Communicate and educate “field” sales staff on all corporate programs including merchandising strategies such as Center Store and KVI pricing.
Manage BIV and Sell 1.
Determine reflect window for CMAP promotions and facilitate the input of these promotions through the Region CMA.
Participate in Ad Group conference calls, Ad advisory committees, etc. Liaison to provide retailer feedback to HO Merchandising on all advertising issues.
Meets with Key Accounts on program participation.
EMS Ad entries and EMS ad play and SRP determination.
Ad/Promotional forecast adjustments.
Sign up retailers and maintain a list of independent retailers supporting automatic distribution programs.
Provide feedback and maintain database of Regional SKUs needed.
Regional Advertising communication, coordination and feedback.
Communicate local broker issues to HO Merchandising.
Determine inventory needs for category blitzes based on 3rd party schedule and input forecast adjustments as necessary.
Evaluate and react to 3rd party reports regarding plan-o-gram compliance for independent retailers on the category management program. Addresses issue with retailers and provide feedback as applicable to HO Merchandising.
New Item Communication to retail.
ValuNet communications to retail.
Coordinate product recalls with HO Merchandising and retailers.
Key contact for National Customer Service on retailer issues as well as coordination of Orderwell changes and exception orders.
Handling of downstream warehouse issues including billing, returns, lost sales, DRC coordination (i.e., continuities, product recalls, aged and discontinued product, retail inventory returns negotiated by Category/Promotion Manager.
Supervise Category Merchandiser Assistant.
Performance Measures:
Develop and maintain productive relationships with key retailer groups and advisory committees.
Accurate management of EMS ads and ad forecasting.
Retail purchases for assigned categories.
Number of stores signed up on corporate programs.
Quality of communications with retailers, retail marketing, and sales staff.
Aged and discontinued inventory at department guidelines.
Decision Authority
The Region Category Merchandiser has full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of his or her approved plans and company policy:
Relevant Experience, Education, Certification, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
4 year college degree preferred.
Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.
Basic knowledge of UNFI’s Buying system
Solid negotiating skills
Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written. Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone.
Basic computer skills required and personal computer experience, with work processing and spreadsheet applications preferred.
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.
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.