Merchandiser,Fresh,Independent

About the role

This role is responsible to manage the wholesale sales and gross profit for their category and area. Establishes and maintains relationships with all independent customers that are serviced by the division. Ensures the execution of merchandising and marketing plans necessary to drive sales. Provides staff assistance in the areas of sales calls, procurement and merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Affirms assigned stores meet sales, expenses, gross and net profit objectives while monitoring implementation of corporate merchandising programs and operational standards within area of responsibility.
• Reviews programs prepared by the Category Management team, recommends adjustments to meet local conditions and works with Sales team and if necessary, directly with independent retailers, on action plans to implement.
• Maintains and follows up on operating performance of stores within local territory with specific regard to sales and profit performance of all existing and new products.
• Analyzes and interprets product category data and trains others on how to use data to increase sales and maximize profits.
• Works with SpartanNash Category/Product Development Managers, industry partners, vendors, brokers, manufacturers and distributors to bring support to category management programs, including reset activities.
• Advise Category Management team of product assortment/selection through appropriate analysis such as adding new items or deleting poor performing items to allow Category/Product Development Managers the ability to provide the most appropriate support to members.
• Serve as the local primary source of information for assigned categories and use information to influence the team and to improve the results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (Required) in Business Administration or other related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, MBA preferred.
• Two years marketing, category management, product management and/or product development experience.
• Experience purchasing in a retail or wholesale environment.
• Strong oral and written communication, financial acumen, strategic problem solving, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Excellent influencing and negotiations skills.
• Proven experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Biceps Purchasing System is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Qualifications

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

SpartanNash is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans. We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.