The primary goal of the Associate Category Manager is to support the merchandising strategy for assigned categories and the overall Category Management team. This role is intended to be a progression step to a Category Manager role and includes smaller scope category management tasks: managing and executing the promotional strategy for a smaller scope category, managing specific supplier communication, soliciting and approving promotional plans, managing DC assortment, and working with the category manager to support business planning tasks with suppliers and retailers.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support category business plans for assigned categories using all available resources, including analysis of both internal and syndicated data, (validated) manufacturer input and expertise, commodity reports, trade/industry news, consumer trends, and customer feedback. Measures results and adjusts plans as needed.
Ensure that New Items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate communication to retail.
Champion UNFI Brands+ assortment, manage Brands + role in category and programs as appropriate.
Maintain relevant assortment necessary to meet retail customer needs, including regional and local brands and unique demographic requirements. Work with the category manager to rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling the cost of carrying inventory, shrink, and spoilage in assigned categories.
Responsible for working with Shelf Management and Category Manager to support timely plan-o-gram execution for assigned categories.
Accurately Manage sell price including vendor cost, freight, BIV, and active sell with the direction of the category manager lead or Director.
Actively participate in the promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, Selling shows, Region programs, Long Term Promotional Pricing (SED), and Temporary Price Reductions. Ad Groups & Ad Item Play, suggested retails, all promotional costs and windows, and any specific requirements of performance are communicated in collaboration with the Sales & Promotion team.
Negotiate with brokers and vendors on all aspects of category merchandising plans with the input of the Category Manager. Solicits support to drive profitable sales that meet and exceed retail customer demands and marketplace competition.
Responsible for proofing all deals, communications, and advertising vehicles for accuracy for assigned categories.
Work with the Category Manager and Category Merchandising Specialist to validate plan execution and adjust future plans.
Provide sales team with retailer needs on request, providing data points, facilitating, and participating in meetings, serving as liaison to brokers/vendors as required.
Collaborate with Corporate Merchandising on local broker and vendor opportunities and concerns. Uphold terms and conditions of all Corporate Vendor Agreements.
Assists in developing purchasing paths to ensure the lowest possible cost of goods and handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals. Assists in inventory disposition as required.
Collaborate with Customer Service on any retail issues regarding missing allowances, product costs, and fees.
Collaborate with the Dated Order Team to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly as requested or provide alternative solutions when that is not possible.
Resolve internal and external customer requests and concerns with a high level of professionalism, working with the Category Manager for support and guidance as needed.
Ensure SOX compliance for deal acceptance and sell audit reporting.
Performance Measures:
Productive relationships with vendor partners, retail customers, and fellow UNFI associates.
Accurate management and sales execution of all promotional activity.
Planogram effectiveness with shelf management/planogram analyst support.
Accurate management of ad planner, and deal accuracy for all programs.
Decision Authority:
The Associate Category Manager will work with the Category Manager Lead or Senior in developing the business strategy and can make decisions to support that strategy working with leadership on key decisions in these areas:
o Assortment/Shelf Management Decisions. o Promotional details and execution requirements. o Ad/Promotional item play.
Performs other relevant job duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/ Certifications:
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience:
Retail and/or vendor experience preferred.
Skills/Abilities:
Basic knowledge of the internal Buying system is preferred.
Solid negotiating skills.
Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people in person, via phone, and via electronic communication.
Computer skills required including spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication tools.
Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess the ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category, and overall vendor funds management performance.
Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:
Some travel may be required.
Incumbent may sit for long periods at a desk or computer terminal.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.
Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
