Deli/Bakery Merchandiser - VA and Northern regions

MDI•Hickory, NC

About The Position

Overview Major Functions: Responsible for independent accounts with Deli/Bakery expertise to ensure customer satisfaction, to achieve budgeted business plans and objectives through training, coaching, and developing store owners, managers, and dept. managers. Provides merchandising support by providing execution of sales plans, displays, and skills that allow stores to buy and sell quality Deli/Bakery products profitably.

Requirements

Candidate should have four-year degree or equivalent experience in a retail Deli/Bakery department including Deli/Bakery department management.
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Incumbent should be a leader among peer groups with a proactive approach that seeks continuous improvement.
Excellent computer skills required

Nice To Haves

Three-five years’ experience as a retail Store Manager preferred.

Responsibilities

Accountable for increased retail Deli/Bakery sales of MDI independent customers to meet or exceed assigned budget goals
Analyzes and provides solutions for P&L profitability, shrink, staffing, or training problems for MDI independent customers.
Responsible for the coordination of new store openings, seasonal sets, and promotions for all assigned stores. This will include working with store owners, merchandising the Deli/Bakery departments, and explaining MDI's ordering system, pricing system, marketing and advertising, etc.
Recommends retail price zones to maintain customer profitability and competitive price image in their markets.
In coordination with the Retail Brand Directors, the MDI Deli/Bakery Director, and buyers, makes recommendations for ad products and key items in regional markets to assist Sales Manager.
Provides sales support by informing independent customers of new programs and items and industry changes and assists with promotional execution.
Creates and is accountable to achieve effective product variety mix to meet customer's sales and profits expectations.
Coaches store owners, managers, and dept. heads on all aspects of effective Deli/Bakery operations including sanitation, food safety, product quality and freshness, increasing sales, and department training.
Develops and is accountable for effective training programs for store owners, managers, dept. heads, and clerks.
Acts as a vital communication link to stores management teams, employees, and the MDI Office support staff, to include but not limited to advertising, pricing, merchandising, and marketing.