Equipment Administrator - Remote

The Equipment Administrator is responsible for supporting teams with planning and sourcing of equipment. This position purchases equipment on behalf of the retailer for new store and remodel projects, serving as the primary point of contact for equipment procurement activities. The role partners closely with Store Design, Sourcing, Project Management, vendors, contractors, and retail owners to ensure equipment is specified, ordered, delivered, and supported according to project requirements. The Equipment Administrator manages approximately 20-25 projects annually, supporting equipment sales of $5M-$7M, while ensuring accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and timely project execution.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the central point of contact both internally and externally for equipment purchase-related activities assigned to new or remodeled grocery retail projects.
• Works closely with the equipment retail owner, sourcing specialists, store planners, refrigeration design manager, and project managers to identify unique equipment needs required for assigned projects.
• Utilizes project guidelines and adjusts project direction based on internal project management involvement or retailers without outside assistance.
• Communicates with outside architects, engineers, and contractors to share equipment specifications, plan updates, and shipment schedules.
• Ensures the completion and accuracy of the final store equipment list for assigned new and remodel projects by working closely with all parties involved.
• Maintains good working relationships with vendor partners to resolve problems such as missing shipments, replacement of damaged goods, invoice issues, etc.
• Provides accurate equipment “cutsheet” specifications for all tagged equipment items for a project.
• Coordinates with freight forwarders and ocean carriers for international projects.
• Releases orders for equipment utilizing the UNFI Oracle purchasing system per approved credit limits.
• Handles all equipment failures or service problems with suppliers while under warranty for assigned projects.
• Monitors purchase order receipts, returns, and corrections.
• Interfaces with accounting and sourcing teams on invoice issues.
• Provides evaluation and feedback regarding vendor performance to the sourcing team for evaluation of future work during sourcing processes.
• Consults directly with retailers on equipment needs and coordinates with the sourcing team on quoting.
• Expected to manage 20-25 projects and scopes that will generate equipment sales between $5M to $7M annually.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Accounting, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of retail equipment purchasing or buyer-related experience where a basic understanding of purchasing procedures has been developed.
• Experience related to equipment purchasing preferred.
• Experience in reviewing project plans for equipment takeoffs, preparation of budgets, and understanding scheduling guidelines related to project construction activities.
• Direct purchasing experience with a strong comprehensive understanding of purchasing methodologies, project processes, and procedures.
• Experience with Oracle Purchasing or similar ERP systems preferred.

Skills

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge to identify opportunities and make recommendations for solutions based on a solid understanding of the business landscape.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based applications.
• Ability to represent the Company’s interests to outside professionals and vendors.
• Decision-making ability necessary to purchase products or services congruent with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills to coordinate with Finance and Accounting on inventory carrying costs, buying organization, and/or user departments, and to handle procedures related to receipts, receipt corrections, and receipt returns.
• Ability to read and comprehend design plans.
• Experience resolving payment issues with suppliers and user departments.
• Interpersonal and dispute resolution skills to resolve problems with suppliers and user departments.
• Ability to coordinate, review, and respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals.
• Ability to manage and mediate equipment-related issues and project deadlines.

Work Environment

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.

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

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.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off and 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 eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs.

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