Produce Sr. Specialist

Location: Hernando, MS | Department: Member Services | Overnight travel is required.

About the role

Responsible for the development and implementation of merchandising programs primarily for the produce departments of our member stores. Provides consultation with member stores concerning produce merchandising activities.

Responsibilities

• Make regular planned calls to member stores, serving in a liaison capacity between the store and the warehouse.
• Interpret departmental (Produce) financial and operating statements and advise members regarding strengths and weaknesses within the operation.
• Perform analysis and planning to ensure produce merchandising objectives and priorities for assigned members are established and met within time limits.
• Assist in the development of produce case allocation programs, such as plan-o-grams.
• Assist in specialized situations including aiding in ordering seasonal produce merchandise, handbills, continuity programs, and special programs.
• Work cooperatively with others, emphasizing integrity, tact, and consideration with members, superiors, and co-workers.
• Analyze competitors’ produce merchandising strategies and assess the impact of countermeasures.
• Keep management informed on all planning, analysis, work performed, and results achieved; maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date records.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation to member store associates on best practices in merchandising and store operations.
• Present opportunities and innovative strategies to support maximum sales potential.
• Ensure all assigned stores follow warehouse programs.
• Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Fresh Sales Manager.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent; prior produce experience is required.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
• Ability to calculate figures such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical demands

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday