Category Merchandiser- Produce - Charlotte (Marketing)

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:

• Responsible for retail merchandising decisions and execution including ad item play, retail pricing, promotional reflect window and ad/promotional forecast adjustments.
• Responsible for retail communications such as Buyers' Fair/Quarterly promotion survey production Manage communication to retail of all promotional programs and category management initiatives developed by regional or department leadership.
• Communicate and educate “field” sales staff on all programs including merchandising strategies. Manage BIV and all Sell Zones.
• Determine reflect window for CMAP promotions and facilitate the input of these promotions through the Region Category Analyst or Category Specialist team.
• Participate in Ad Group conference calls, Ad advisory committees, etc. Liaison to provide retailer feedback to management on all advertising issues.
• Meets with Key Accounts on program participation.
• Oversees EMS Ad entries and EMS ad play and SRP determination.
• Provide feedback and maintain database of Regional SKUs needed.
• Regional Advertising communication, coordination and feedback.
• Communicate local vendor/broker issues to management.
• New Item Communication to retail.
• Coordinate product recalls with recall team and retailers.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate with procurement team to help maintain required shrink and spoilage commitments with consideration of lowest cost of goods.
• 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 category merchandising manager and director.
• Manage category assortment.
• Support private brand initiatives.
• Manage sales & profitability within critical categories to ensure financial success. 
• Research, report and document P&L data to Category Merchandising Manager.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key retailer groups and advisory committees.
• Retail purchases for assigned categories.
• Quality of communications with retailers, retail marketing, and sales staff.
• Aged and discontinued inventory at department guidelines.
• Profitability of assigned categories.
• Inventory/dating management to limit spoilage/sell off losses.
• The Category Merchandiser has full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of his or her approved plans and company policy:
  • Region BIV.
  • Sell Zones to retail.
  • Ad/Promotional item play.
  • Determine reflect windows for CMAP allowances.
  • Slotting dollars negotiated from vendor/broker.
  • Ad funding negotiations from vendor/broker.
• Buyers' Fair/Quarterly promotion item coordination.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience:

• 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. 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.

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.