Retail Merchandising Sales Representative

About the role

The Retail Merchandising Sales Rep (RMSR) is responsible for driving sales and delivering consistent, high-quality merchandising services at assigned customer locations. This includes ordering products, stocking shelves, executing resets and remodels, and supporting continuity and cycle coverage programs. At times, the RMSR may also assist with stretch projects and may receive directions from Coordinators, Supervisors, Managers, or Directors within Shelf Services.

UNFI is North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, the company operates 50 distribution centers and corporate offices across America with 29,000+ employees.

Responsibilities

• Influence customer orders by identifying sales opportunities and recommending item discontinuations
• Place orders, merchandise products, hang shelf tags, and set promotional materials
• Execute resets to drive sales
• Sell promotional and sales programs as assigned
• Follow through on all customer product requests
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned customers and merchandising projects
• Execute customer-specific plans during scheduled visits and provide feedback to UNFI stakeholders
• Visit retailers on Field Sales or Home Store program on a provided schedule to execute customer-specific plans
• Follow HACCP and SQF guidelines as applicable
• Rotate stock, remove out-of-code items, and process returns/credits per company policy and customer agreements
• Regularly communicate with key UNFI personnel on competitor activity, sales opportunities, customer requests, and any other significant issues
• Collaborate with supervisors or account managers to develop action plans for assigned projects
• Ensure deadlines and budgets are met
• Interpret internal reports as needed
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in project planning and selling UNFI Professional Services and product lines
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time
• Stay current on Shelf Services technology and tools through training and collaboration with Category Management and Sales teams
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Auto insurance levels that meet UNFI requirements
• Minimum 1-year related experience in Retail or Distribution
• Prior sales and customer service experience in a retail setting
• Food-related product experience desired
• Bilingual – Spanish a plus
• Candidates must be local to Central Wisconsin

Skills

• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Time management skills and attention to detail
• Basic math abilities
• Ability to motivate and work with others to achieve desired results
• Ability to read, understand, and implement planograms
• Basic to intermediate computer skills
• Ability to work independently
• Good judgment required as direct supervision may not be immediately available

Work environment

Onsite role: This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of UNFI's locations, such as a distribution center or office. Travel is required up to 95% for this position.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 lbs., including boxes of product, promotional materials, and merchandising components
• Ability to drive to and from customer accounts in city, rural, and expressway conditions, including during periods of inclement weather
• Ability to set up in-store displays, fixtures, shelving, and product, including tasks such as: using hand and finger dexterity to manipulate small parts, shelf clips, rack fittings, peg hooks, and signage materials; assembling cardboard or lightweight point-of-sale displays; positioning or adjusting metal shelving, endcaps, or modular fixtures within established safety parameters; placing, stocking, front-facing, or reorganizing product on shelves or displays; using step stools or small ladders to reach products or shelves at various heights
• Ability to work in and tolerate exposure to typical store and warehouse conditions, including: wide variances in temperature (e.g., refrigerated, ambient, and warmer retail areas); dust, dirt, and debris; noise levels from equipment, customers, or operational activity; strong or varying odors from products, cleaning supplies, or warehouse materials; bright or fluctuating lighting conditions
• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• May use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) program
• Competitive PTO plan