Apply Refer a Friend Save Job Back Share This Page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Job Ref: 168654 Location: Providence, RI 02908 Location Flexibility: Remote Category: Merchandising Job Type: Full-time Job Status: Exempt Anticipated Closing Date: March 4, 2025 Pay Basis Yearly Pay Range $80000.00 - $149500.00 Annually ($38.46 - $71.88 Hourly) Other Compensation Bonus Eligible Brand UNFI

Purpose:  

The primary goal of the Manager of Merchandising Execution Lead is to aggressively manage the merchandising strategy for assigned categories, to include Product Assortment, Costs, Promotional Activity, and Shelf Allocation to drive sales for the region’s retail customers. The Manager of Merchandising Execution Lead is responsible for managing vendor relationships, the vendor funding checkbook and category item assortment to drive sales and margin for UNFI.    

What does it mean to be part of the Category Merchandising team?  

Whether it’s overseeing produce, bakery/deli, meat, center store, general merchandise, health and beauty, this team manages and drives a category for the organization. A role in category merchandising involves business planning, financial analysis, pricing, participating in review of assortment, shelf management, advertising promotions, negotiations with suppliers and sourcing. A 100% unique approach, proven to increase sales and profitability. It’s having the right assortment of products, based on your customers’ demographics and lifestyle. Solid category strategies. Better customer satisfaction. More efficiency.  

Job Responsibilities: 

Ability to train and mentor new Category Managers Leadership role(s) in a department wide initiative, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation both within the departments and with supporting teams Representation of the Department and/or Region in a Corporate wide initiative or effort Initiate and implement new sales driving opportunities whether in response to changing needs/environment or to create a new source of excitement/demand through creative merchandising Participate in process of interviewing and hiring new staff Understand workings of department P&L, ability to research and analyze financial metrics and create solutions. Leadership in key vendor or broker relations, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation of sales initiatives and major changes that span multiple CM desks/departments. Liaison for key retailers in conjunction with the sales team to strengthen business relationships, work through merchandising opportunities or obstacles and improve customer service and satisfaction 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 to retail sales team for all selling programs and category management initiatives. Track participation and sales by DC, sales team and retail customer on all selling programs and category management initiatives. 

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 set up) Planogram effectiveness with shelf management/planogram analyst support. Accurate management of ad planner, and deal accuracy for all programs. 

Decision Authority: The Category Manager has full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of their approved plans and company policy:

Assortment/Shelf Management Decisions Promotional details and execution requirements Ad/Promotional item play. Category business plans and overall merchandising strategy 

Job Requirements: 

Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred) Bachelor’s degree preferred.  

 Experience:  

Five (5) years Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Spectre Daata, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications)  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.    Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people   in person, via phone, and via electronic communication. Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. 

Work Environment:  Remote 

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.  

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI 

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or Competitive PTO plan, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, other benefits applicable to specific role.  

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. 

Company: UNFI Wholesale Inc. Apply

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), Click HERE for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

Learn more about our brands: Cub: https://www.cub.com/sm/pickup/rsid/1612/about Shoppers: https://www.shoppersfood.com/wcp/about-us UNFI: https://www.unfi.com/about-us.html