Manager Category -
East - Region - Remote
Company: UNFI
Location: Providence
Posted on: October 9, 2024
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Job Description:
*Must reside in East RegionPURPOSE:The primary goal of the
Category Manager - Region is to aggressively manage the
merchandising strategy for assigned categories, including Product
Assortment, Costs, Promotional Activity, and Shelf Allocation to
drive sales for the region s retail customers. The Category Manager
is responsible for managing vendor relationships, the vendor
funding checkbook, and category item assortment to drive sales and
margin for UNFI.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop category business
plans for assigned categories using all available resources,
including analysis of both internal and syndicated data,
(validated) manufacturer input and expertise, commodity reports,
trade/industry news, consumer trends, and customer feedback.
Measures results and adjusts plans as needed.Develop and manage
communication with the retail sales team for all selling programs
and category management initiatives. Track participation and sales
by DC, sales team, and retail customers on all selling programs and
category management initiatives.Ensure that New Items are
accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate
communication to retail.Champion UNFI Brands+ assortment, manage
Brands + role in category and programs as appropriate.Maintain
relevant assortment necessary to meet retail customer needs,
including regional and local brands and unique demographic
requirements. Rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while
controlling cost of carrying inventory, shrink, and
spoilage.Responsible for working with Shelf Management to support
timely plan-o-gram execution.Accurately Manage sell price including
vendor cost, freight, BIV, and active sell.Actively participate in
the promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, Selling
shows, Region programs, Long Term Promotional Pricing (SED), and
Temporary Price Reductions. Ad Groups & Ad Item Play, suggested
retails, all promotional costs and windows, and any specific
requirements of performance are communicated in collaboration with
the Sales & Promotion team.Negotiate with brokers and vendors on
all aspects of category merchandising plans. Solicits support to
drive profitable sales that meet and exceed retail customer demands
and marketplace competition.Responsible for proofing all deals,
communications, and advertising vehicles for accuracy.Perform
post-promotional analysis to validate plan execution and adjust
plans.Provide sales team with retailer needs on request, providing
data points, facilitating, and participating in meetings, and
serving as liaison to brokers/vendors as required.Collaborate with
Corporate Merchandising on local broker and vendor opportunities
and concerns. Uphold terms and conditions of all Corporate Vendor
Agreements.Collaborate with Procurement and Warehouse operations to
meet customers' service level requirements and maximize sales
through proper planning and forecasting. Assists in developing
purchasing paths to ensure the lowest possible cost of goods and
handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals. Assists in
inventory disposition as required.Collaborate with Customer Service
on any retail issues regarding product costs and fees.Collaborate
with the Dated Order Team to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly
as requested or provide alternative solutions when that is not
possible.Resolve internal and external customer requests and
concerns with a high level of professionalism.Supervise Category
Merch Specialist.Ensure SOX compliance for deal acceptance and sell
audit reporting.Manage applicable state/local tax requirements at
the category or item level as needed.Performance
Measures:Productive relationships with vendor partners, retail
customers, and fellow UNFI associates.Accurate management of BIV
and Sell 1, including variation/freight components.Accurate
management and sales execution of all promotional
activity.Wholesale sales for assigned categories.Vendor funds (CMAP
% to sales and other metrics.)Epass/vendor dispute management.Aged
inventory reserve.Item Maintenance accuracy (pack changes, Master
item group/line code integrity, New item setup.)Planogram
effectiveness with shelf management/planogram analyst
support.Accurate management of ad planner, and deal accuracy for
all programs.Decision Authority:The Category Manager Region has
full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of
his or her approved plans and company policy:o Assortment/Shelf
Management Decisions.o Promotional details and execution
requirements.o Ad/Promotional item play.o Category business plans
and overall merchandising strategy.Performs other relevant job
duties as required.JOB REQUIREMENTS:Education/
Certifications:Bachelor s degree preferred.Experience:Retail and/or
vendor experience preferred.Skills/Abilities:Basic knowledge of the
internal Buying system is preferred.Solid negotiating
skills.Possess good communication skills, both verbal and
written.Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of
people in person, via phone, and electronic communication.Ability
to influence without authority.Computer skills required including
spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication
tools.Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative
duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough
completion of work activities. Possess the ability to concentrate
and deal with frequent interruptions.Analytical skills to measure
sales performance, item performance within category, and overall
vendor funds management performance.Good judgment is required for
this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not
be immediately available.PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:Some travel
may be required.Incumbent may sit for long periods 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
during the normal workday.Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching
may be required in the 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.#LI-Remote
Keywords: UNFI, Lawrence , Manager Category -
East - Region - Remote, Executive , Providence, Massachusetts
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