Merchandiser,Fresh,Independent

SpartanNash • Lima, OH

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This role manages wholesale sales and gross profit for an assigned category and area, and establishes and maintains relationships with independent customers serviced by the division. It ensures execution of merchandising and marketing plans to drive sales and provides staff assistance with sales calls, procurement, and merchandising.

The role monitors store sales, expenses, and profit objectives, supports implementation of corporate merchandising programs and operating standards, and reviews category programs for adjustments to local conditions. It also analyzes category data, supports product assortment decisions, collaborates with internal teams and industry partners, and serves as the local source of information for assigned categories. Travel may be required up to 70%, averaging two to three overnight stays per week, with frequency varying based on business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in marketing, category management, product management, and/or product development.
• Experience purchasing in a retail or wholesale environment.
• Strong oral and written communication, financial acumen, strategic problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities toward company goals.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel up to 70%, averaging two to three overnight stays per week, with frequency varying based on business needs.
• Ability to lift and/or move 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Biceps Purchasing System.
• Experience in Deli/Bakery is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure assigned stores meet sales, expense, gross profit, and net profit objectives, while monitoring corporate merchandising programs and operational standards.
• Review Category Management programs, recommend adjustments for local conditions, and work with the Sales team and, when needed, independent retailers to develop implementation plans.
• Monitor store operating performance in the local territory, especially sales and profit performance of existing and new products.
• Analyze and interpret product category data and train others to use data to increase sales and maximize profits.
• Work with SpartanNash Category/Product Development Managers, industry partners, vendors, brokers, manufacturers, and distributors to support category management programs, including resets.
• Advise the Category Management team on product assortment and selection, including adding new items or deleting poorly performing items.
• Serve as the local primary source of information for assigned categories and use that information to influence the team and improve results.
• Provide staff assistance with sales calls, procurement, and merchandising.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time