Category Support Specialist Sr - Fresh
UNFI, Providence, RI, United States
Job Overview
The Category Specialist is responsible for executing specialized support tasks in a specific merchandising department. These functions are exercised across various systems and require timely input with a high level of accuracy. The role provides support for tasks related to executing sales and merchandising strategies.
Job Responsibilities
Trains and/or mentors other Category Specialist associates
Oversee more escalated issues from other Category Specialists
Performs research and informational analysis at the direction of the Category Manager or Director
Identifies areas of opportunity and develops solutions (utilizing report data for category)
Handles and coordinates tasks with full‑department scope (i.e. new item setup, item maintenance, discontinued items)
Provides support across multiple categories and DCs
Coordinates more complex project work that may involve multiple DC locations and coordination across multiple Category Managers (i.e. building Expo Books)
Handles escalated customer requests or questions
Gathers and inputs information into the promotional planning systems and communicates that information to the appropriate retailers and/or regions
Responsible for keeping information related to assortment and shelf accurate in the appropriate systems
Communicates pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions, ensuring accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with the Category Manager
Responsible for accurate input of deals into the appropriate systems and assists the Category Manager in accurate record keeping associated with contracts, deals and promotions
Provides as‑needed support to the Category Manager related to planning, gathering appropriate information, record keeping and filing related to the planning process
Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and serves as a liaison between other business planning groups
Processes exception orders and order entry in the system
Reviews and approves vendor promotions
Information gathering, compiling and spreadsheet creation
Develops, maintains and reviews basic Excel templates and reports
Provides vendor support as necessary such as sending samples or picking up products
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements Education / Certifications
2‑year degree or equivalent experience
Experience
4‑6 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with a solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Excellent internal system knowledge
Intermediate computer skills and ability to work with Microsoft applications as tools to organize information and solve complex problems
Ability to gather information, analyze, articulate and solve complex problems
Ability to oversee and balance information from multiple sources for multiple categories
Possess ability to direct, organize, lead other Category Specialists and Category Specialist II associates
Ability to handle escalated questions and inquiries from customers/vendors
Ability to prioritize and manage against multiple competing priorities
Strong planning and organizational skills; must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, etc.) to organize information
Basic understanding of business planning and category management preferred
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment, building strong relationships with internal teams, vendors and customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships
Strong attention to detail; accurate input of information into multiple systems is critical to this position
Good judgment required as there may be times when direct supervision is not immediately available
Work Environment Remote Role
This position is classified as remote, with the associate performing remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. They may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed by their manager.
Physical Environment / Demands
Most work is performed in a temperature‑controlled office environment
Incumbent may sit for long periods of time 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
Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday
Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties
The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed by employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required may vary within each department and/or location.
Equal Opportunity Employer UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation UNFI anticipates paying the above‑referenced pay rate (or within the above‑referenced pay range) for this position. Actual pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to education, experience, training and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), see https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington‑specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability insurance program; Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits and paid time off policies are subject to change at the Company’s sole discretion in accordance with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Fair Chance Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
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Job Responsibilities
Trains and/or mentors other Category Specialist associates
Oversee more escalated issues from other Category Specialists
Performs research and informational analysis at the direction of the Category Manager or Director
Identifies areas of opportunity and develops solutions (utilizing report data for category)
Handles and coordinates tasks with full‑department scope (i.e. new item setup, item maintenance, discontinued items)
Provides support across multiple categories and DCs
Coordinates more complex project work that may involve multiple DC locations and coordination across multiple Category Managers (i.e. building Expo Books)
Handles escalated customer requests or questions
Gathers and inputs information into the promotional planning systems and communicates that information to the appropriate retailers and/or regions
Responsible for keeping information related to assortment and shelf accurate in the appropriate systems
Communicates pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions, ensuring accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with the Category Manager
Responsible for accurate input of deals into the appropriate systems and assists the Category Manager in accurate record keeping associated with contracts, deals and promotions
Provides as‑needed support to the Category Manager related to planning, gathering appropriate information, record keeping and filing related to the planning process
Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and serves as a liaison between other business planning groups
Processes exception orders and order entry in the system
Reviews and approves vendor promotions
Information gathering, compiling and spreadsheet creation
Develops, maintains and reviews basic Excel templates and reports
Provides vendor support as necessary such as sending samples or picking up products
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements Education / Certifications
2‑year degree or equivalent experience
Experience
4‑6 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with a solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Excellent internal system knowledge
Intermediate computer skills and ability to work with Microsoft applications as tools to organize information and solve complex problems
Ability to gather information, analyze, articulate and solve complex problems
Ability to oversee and balance information from multiple sources for multiple categories
Possess ability to direct, organize, lead other Category Specialists and Category Specialist II associates
Ability to handle escalated questions and inquiries from customers/vendors
Ability to prioritize and manage against multiple competing priorities
Strong planning and organizational skills; must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, etc.) to organize information
Basic understanding of business planning and category management preferred
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment, building strong relationships with internal teams, vendors and customers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships
Strong attention to detail; accurate input of information into multiple systems is critical to this position
Good judgment required as there may be times when direct supervision is not immediately available
Work Environment Remote Role
This position is classified as remote, with the associate performing remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. They may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed by their manager.
Physical Environment / Demands
Most work is performed in a temperature‑controlled office environment
Incumbent may sit for long periods of time 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
Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday
Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties
The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed by employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required may vary within each department and/or location.
Equal Opportunity Employer UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation UNFI anticipates paying the above‑referenced pay rate (or within the above‑referenced pay range) for this position. Actual pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to education, experience, training and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), see https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington‑specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability insurance program; Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits and paid time off policies are subject to change at the Company’s sole discretion in accordance with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Fair Chance Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
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