Category Specialist - BD Pacific Northwest Area

About the role

Increase Bakery/Deli sales through education and implementation of marketing and promotional programs in conjunction with Director of Bakery/Deli. Work directly with Sales and customers on category products that ultimately relates to increased Bakery/Deli sales. Assist and educate Account Managers in category offering, maximize sales and help grow company product offering. This role will collaborate with the sales team to achieve the objective of Building Out the Store.

Responsibilities

• Communicates competitive information to Sales Managers, Category Directors and Sales Reps
• Create informative Sale Sheets and maintains a library of appropriate data as related to their specific category
• Coordinates Customer training, enlisting Vendors, Brokers, and Sales as needed
• Help with Sales presentations on new or current customers with potential sales and partner with Account Manager or Sales Rep with delivery
• Travels throughout assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit orders, offer promotional opportunities, schematic suggestions and present new items.
• Prepare proposals to include pricing and assessments of customer needs including department schematics
• Attends and educates & learns by attending Sales Meetings and various Trade Shows
• Report competitive information and category trends to appropriate sales team members
• Oversee category development of new accounts and servicing of existing accounts.
• Write and process sales documentation for use by the sales team in promoting department items and maintain a library of appropriate data related to specific categories.
• Display or demonstrate product, apply knowledge of products and services and demonstrate benefits and features to promote sales.
• Prepare written proposals to include required quotes and assessments of customer needs including department schematics (plan-o-grams) as requested by the customer.
• View or retrieve essential customer information, analyze missed opportunities for sales and review potential sales with customers.
• Available for resets or Product Demonstrations
• Complete department projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent applicable experience required; Retail/Wholesale experience a plus

Experience:

• 5-7 years related experience and/or training
• Development and execution of business plans, sales plans, and/or commission programs
• Understanding of sales programs, promotions and related techniques
• Understanding of margin and company profitability
• Demonstrated ability to drive new business and close sales
• Strong relationship building and customer service skills a must
• Strong detail orientation and communication skills essential
• Proficiency with computer systems and applications (especially Word, Excel, Basic Access essential)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of products specific to category including basic department operations.
• Ability to analyze and determine sales opportunities
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
• Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions and related techniques.
• Knowledge of word processing software; inventory software; internet software; Power Sell software; IDS systems and Powerfacts software
• Motivated self-starter
• Good oral, written and technical communication skills
• Good customer relations and diplomacy
• Good negotiation, organization and planning skills

Benefits

• 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 eligibility requirements and program terms)

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), see Washington-specific paid time off details. UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law.

Pay

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.