Procurement Customer Advocate- Remote (Finance)

Job Overview:

The purpose of this position is to enhance the service provided to key retailers through service level analysis and inventory planning. Responsibilities will include data collection from a variety of sources, generating scheduled and ad hoc reporting, as well as communicating with several cross-functions to ensure inventory for upcoming demand.

Job Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain complex records regarding service level performance to customers.

• Assess and identify trends that impact service level. Rectify these trends using strategic problem-solving skills.

• Accountable for key customer targeted fill rates/service levels.

• Ensure the timely and successful delivery of solutions according to customer needs and obligations.

• Building relationships with customers based on trust and timely communication.

• Communicate clearly the progress of weekly/quarterly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

• Responsible for collaborating with the Sales team to mitigate potential risk to customer's service.

• Liaison between the customer and the company's internal Procurement teams.

• Keeping accurate records pertaining to service level and sales.

• Collaborating with internal departments to rectify customer driven problems.

• Accountable for inbound flow of product and inventory level management of assigned desk to maintain targeted outbound service levels impacting organizational profitability and customer success.

• End to end responsibility for assigned buying desk while achieving department required metrics (i.e., fill rate, days on hand, shrink, etc.).

• Responsible for root cause analysis of inconsistency in demand to understand drivers, determine needed actions, and implement those actions in coordination with Procurement partners to protect service and limit excess.

• Procures and manages investment buys to attain projected category profitability.

• Assigned work will be aligned to a national natural customer accounts.

• Forward buy process for the buying group needs extensive time and attention to manage the off invoice (OI) process as it is a frequent component to the natural business unit. This process requires management of OI deals that the buyer role must consider and analyze based on inventory.

• Within the natural business unit, the number of suppliers and number of items requires management of many different touch points with slower moving items to ensure metrics remain within designated range.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Have a basic knowledge of procurement and logistics processes.

• UBS and WBS system knowledge

• Knowledge of industry forecasting practices.

• Knowledge of large-scale distribution networks.

• Understanding of grocery categories.

• Strong analytical and math skillset.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

• Capable of learning and utilizing multiple disparate systems.

• Ability to identify and understand trends.

• Ability to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions.

• Excellent problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous workstreams while ensuring base forecasting needs are met.

• Mindset of continuous improvement.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to use own judgement to make decisions and drive results.

• Can work independently as well as with a larger group.

• Preferred SQL, Python, Alteryx, etc.

• Ability to work pro-actively and autonomously in a remote work environment.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

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

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a 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, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

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

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.