Product Support Advisor - Grocery

About the Role

Support the department in achieving company goals, including high-end customer order fulfillment and managing inventory to the lowest possible Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). Responsible for managing and supporting the implementation of corporate category strategies and initiatives within the operation company (OpCo). Drive required category initiatives and assortment in harmony with corporate requirements while maintaining positive local supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Execute Category Management and other initiatives within assigned categories.
• Ensure category success and support of corporate core suppliers.
• Communicate with planners, suppliers, brokers, sales team, and customer service.
• Manage and promote local assortment within assigned categories to achieve company goals.
• Manage local supplier and broker relationships.
• Provide input, support, and guidance to OpCo Sales Specialists.
• Facilitate corporate assortment training at the OpCo as required.
• Conduct local supplier reviews and negotiations using corporate best business practices.
• Negotiate and secure supplier-funded customer deviated pricing.
• Facilitate negotiations and management of local Earned Income programs.
• Manage and review company Earned Income components.
• Work with supplier Category Captains or Advisors for focus categories as required.
• Support inventory depletion by identifying items to be discontinued and assisting in supplier negotiations to return products.
• Drive results on focus categories and support promotional activities and selling events.
• Serve as the direct line of contact for local sales and assist Sales on all issues.
• Handle new item and vendor creation.
• Drive increased Sysco Brand sales.
• Manage category equities and market pricing to support pricing integrity in conjunction with the Revenue Management (RevMan) team.
• Collaborate and review Sales and Gross Profit (GP) results of Market Cost Price changes with the Revenue Management team.
• Provide market commodity and industry news and updates to the sales organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform essential job functions.
• 3+ years of experience.
• Experience working within a retail, wholesale, or distribution environment.

Skills

• Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to drive positive merchandising change.
• Ability to work with all levels of the organization and collaborate with dotted-line reporting.
• Ability to collaborate and facilitate timely communication.
• Ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proactive attitude to highlight and address issues as they arise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to execute all Merchandising standard processes.
• Strong supplier negotiation skills and ability to form professional working relationships with suppliers and brokers.
• Strong Excel skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Travel required: 5%.