Merchandiser,Fresh,Independent

SpartanNash•Byron Center, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of SpartanNash, a food solutions company and member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family, the Merchandiser, Fresh, Independent manages wholesale sales and gross profit for an assigned category and area. The role establishes and maintains relationships with independent customers served by the division and ensures execution of merchandising and marketing plans that drive sales. It also provides staff assistance with sales calls, procurement, and merchandising. The position monitors store sales, expenses, gross and net profit objectives, corporate merchandising programs, and operational standards. It reviews category programs and recommends adjustments for local conditions, supports implementation action plans with the Sales team and independent retailers, and evaluates performance of existing and new products. The role analyzes category data, trains others to use it to improve sales and profits, collaborates with internal teams and industry partners on category programs and resets, advises on product assortment, and serves as the local primary source of information for assigned categories. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. The position is based at 850 76th Street S.W., Byron Center, Michigan 49315. Travel may be up to 75%, with overnight stays as required and frequency varying based on business needs. The work environment includes a typical office setting; occasional exposure to variable temperatures in areas such as computer/server rooms, print shops, or production areas may occur. Noise is usually low to moderate and may be high in distribution settings. The company states that it cannot sponsor work visas for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Two years of experience in marketing, category management, product management, and/or product development.
Experience purchasing in a retail or wholesale environment.
Experience in Meat is required.
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 to accomplish company goals.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel up to 75%, including overnight stays as required.
Ability to lift and/or move 20 pounds; frequently sit, stand, and walk.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Biceps Purchasing System is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage wholesale sales and gross profit for the assigned category and area.
Establish and maintain relationships with independent customers served by the division.
Ensure execution of merchandising and marketing plans to drive sales.
Provide staff assistance with sales calls, procurement, and merchandising.
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 on implementation action plans.
Monitor and follow up on operating performance of stores in the local territory, particularly 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.
Collaborate with SpartanNash Category/Product Development Managers, industry partners, vendors, brokers, manufacturers, and distributors to support category management programs, including reset activities.
Advise the Category Management team on product assortment and selection using analysis, including recommendations to add new items or delete 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.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.