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. Works closely with area departments—particularly Category Management and Replenishment—to support vendor and supplier communications.

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.
• Builds 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.

Relationships

• Internal: Category Operations Managers, Marketing Managers, Replenishment, Pricing team, Territory Managers, Account Executives
• External: Local vendors and brokers, as needed.

Work Environment

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

Requirements

• 5 years of purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel
• College degree or equivalent distribution and/or food service supply chain work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO: FREQUENCY: STAND OCCASIONALLY WALK OCCASIONALLY DRIVE NEVER SIT FREQUENTLY LIFT 1-10 lbs (Sedentary) OCCASIONALLY LIFT 11-20 lbs (Light) OCCASIONALLY LIFT 21-50 lbs (Medium) NEVER LIFT 51-100 lbs (Heavy) NEVER LIFT Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy) NEVER CARRY 1-10 lbs (Sedentary) OCCASIONALLY CARRY 11-20 lbs (Light) OCCASIONALLY CARRY 21-50 lbs (Medium) NEVER CARRY 51-100 lbs (Heavy) NEVER CARRY Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy) NEVER PUSH/PULL (Dolly, cartons and boxes) NEVER CLIMB/BALANCE NEVER STOOP/SQUAT NEVER KNEEL NEVER BEND NEVER REACH ABOVE SHOULDER OCCASIONALLY TWIST OCCASIONALLY GRASP OBJECTS (Boxes and cartons) OCCASIONALLY MANIPULATE OBJECTS (Boxes and dolly) FREQUENTLY MANUAL DEXTERITY (Typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers) CONTINUOUSLY

Pay

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