Category Merchandiser -Fresh Hopkins at United Natural Foods Inc in Hopkins, Minnesota

Job Description:

Purpose:  Oversee daily operation of department and category functions and works closely with merchandising management team to achieve the goals of the category business plans. Develop annual promotional plan for the category by evaluating items and negotiate deals with vendors; develop, negotiate, and execute regional tactical plans for Category Management programs (pricing, promotion, product, procurement and placement) for the categories assigned. Develop annual promotional plans by category assigned, evaluating items and negotiating deals with vendors; develop, negotiate, and execute regional tactical plans for Category Management programs for the categories assigned.

Job Responsibilities:

• Buyers' Fair/Quarterly promotion item coordination


• Responsible for proofing and ensuring accuracy of promotional activity and communication within assigned category


• Manage vendor/broker relationships in assigned categories


• Manage assortment for commodity categories including the coordination with procurement team to help maintain required shrink and spoilage commitments with consideration of lowest cost of goods


• Provide competitive merchandising solutions for retail formats by researching market conditions to determine potential sales of product or service and retail trends Execute regional advertising plans of assigned categories


• Resolve all internal and external customer requests and concerns while maintaining a high level of professionalism and service


• Grow sales by creating weekly ad and supporting existing merchandising programs


• Create sales opportunities through category management and market principles with relation to SKU rationalization, merchandising, and niche market applications


• Review weekly ad forecasts and provide direction to the buyers to determine what inventory levels are needed to meet ad requirements


• Conduct post-promotional review and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and if there were problem areas, provide information to vendor


• Review period data to assess sales, service levels and category profitability, make adjustments as needed


• Support and implement region and department initiatives as determined by merchandising management and regional director


• Support private brand initiatives


• Research, report and document P&L data to category merchandising manager.


• Train and develop merchandising staff


• Participate in development of key performers within Category Specialist and Analyst staff


• Research, report and document P&L data to category merchandising manager Communicate and educate “field” sales staff on all programs including merchandising strategies, regional/departmental programs and seasonal opportunities.


• Manage BIV and all Sell Zones


• Determine reflect window for promotions and facilitate the input of these promotions through the Category Analyst/Specialist


• Develop on-going strategic SKU rationalization by category


• Meets with Key Accounts on program participation


• Oversees EMS Ad entries and EMS ad play and SRP determination


• Coordinate product recalls with appropriate team members


• Key contact for National Customer Service on retailer issues, as well as coordination of Orderwell changes and exception orders Handle ePasses & other vendor related disputes/concerns effectively


• Responsible for proofing and ensuring accuracy of promotional activity and communication within assigned categories


• Manage sales & profitability within critical categories to ensure financial success Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• 5 years minimum industry experience

Other Skills/ Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of internal Buying system preferred


• Proven negotiation skills

• Buying Systems acumen


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Aptitude for and interest in financial reporting


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office


• Proven success in a result driven environment


• Competencies that are preferred for this position include: Sound Decision Making, Strategic Thinking, Creative Thinker, Financial Acumen, Meet Customer Needs, Build Realistic Plans, Manage Execution, Show Drive & Initiative, Build Support, Motivate Others, Develop Others, Promote Teamwork, Foster Open Communications, Establish Relationships, Establish Trust and Show Adaptability

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required


• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment


• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.


• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday


• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

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.