Product Business Manager - Remote at United Natural Foods Inc in Providence, Rhode Island

Job Description:

Job Overview:

Responsible for supplier management of select UNFI Brands categories including negotiating best cost, driving efficiencies across the organization, and managing the supplier relationship. Accountable for assortment, new item and maintenance projects within assigned categories. Requires effective organization and follow-through skills: planning, prioritizing, and leading the Commercialization process (end to end). Takes a customer-centric approach.

Has the ability to influence and successfully work with key stakeholders across a broad organization and large portfolio of business.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Sourcing (30%)

• Responsible for leading sourcing for select categories to ensure we are selecting the right partners

• Negotiate Best First Cost

• Vendor Cost Changes and Commodity Positions

2. Supplier Relationships (30%)

• Holding accountable to Service Levels

• Legal/Contracts

• Primary contact for suppliers (extensive day to day follow ups, communication)

• Liaison for Brand initiatives, maintenance, new items (assigned categories)

3. Item Assortment, New Item Development and Maintenance Projects (20%)

• New Item Innovation

• Item Maintenance

• Vendor Compliance (working closely with PD/QA to ensure vendor and item compliance)

• Partners w/Brand Management & PD/QA to innovate & execute plan

4. Commercial interface with Cross Functional Teams (20%)

• Buyer Interface/Procurement (PO follows, Supplier Deduction Challenges, Inventory)

• Merchandising Team (promotional plans, supplier funding, forecasting, supplier liaison)

• Sales Operations (communication of supplier challenges, new item status input, forecasting/sales plans)

• Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required in Business, Marketing, Management, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of category management, merchandising or sourcing experience

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Strong negotiation skills with experience in category management, sourcing, private label, or CPG.

• Understanding of assortment planning and category management.

• Ability to lead cross functional partners including Commercialization (end to end process).

• Project Management skills and strong attention to details.

• Demonstrates ability to think analytically and solve problems through data.

• Ability to influence others, negotiate, collaborate.

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).

• Past supplier or wholesaler/retail experience is preferred.

• Excellent spreadsheet skills (Excel) required.

• Must be capable of understanding retail environment.

• Some travel may be required.

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.