Merchandising Specialist

About the role

Supports the Area Merchandising function by addressing and resolving service requests, new item setup, and excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory issues in a timely manner. Utilizes detailed knowledge of US Foods products, systems, and tools. Serves as the primary liaison between PSSA, Replenishment, and Category Management related to merchandising activities.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the central escalation point of contact for all service requests related to product specifications, availability, substitutions, and merchandising issues.
• Serves as gatekeeper for the New Item Request (NIR) process and tracking log, including approvals and 30/60/90-day follow-up.
• Supports Category Operations Managers with analytics requests, local flyer item selection, rebate solicitation, Roll Out Book reviews, and assortment projects.
• Partners on E&O follow-up, CASIS billings, vendor meeting preparation, and post-launch reviews.
• Serves as the escalation point of contact for RSC inquiries related to merchandising activities.
• Develops subject matter expertise in US Foods systems and tools to respond to inquiries quickly and accurately.
• Buils and maintains broker and vendor relationships and leverages internal resources to independently resolve and follow up on PSSA-related items.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure timely, accurate communication of merchandising updates and issue resolution.

Qualifications

• 5 years of purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel
• Previous US Foods experience
• PRISM/Merlin/Tandem skills
• Purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience in a foodservice distribution environment
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated focus on delivering effective service to both internal and external customers
• Proven ability to research issues, escalate as needed, and follow through with urgency while overcoming obstacles using a solutions-focused approach

Physical Qualifications

• OCCASIONALLY: STAND, WALK, DRIVE
• FREQUENTLY: LIFT 1-10 lbs (Sedentary), 11-20 lbs (Light), 21-50 lbs (Medium)
• CONTINUOUSLY: PUSH/PULL1, MANIPULATE OBJECTS2, MANUAL DEXTERITY4

Benefits

Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html.

Pay

The expected base rate for this role is between $60,000 - $95,000.

Schedule

Onsite: The associate in this role is expected to perform assigned responsibilities inside a US Foods office-based environment.