Produce Senior Merchandiser - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

Produce Senior Merchandiser

Job Description: 

SUPERVALU started in the supply chain and wholesale distribution business and in subsequent years we’ve grown to include traditional and hard discount grocery retail formats. We are currently looking for a Produce Senior Merchandiser in Pittsburg, PA.

The primary goal for the Produce Senior Merchandiser will be to develop and maintain profitable wholesale and retail sales with Produce supplied customers. This individual will lead Category Merchandisers in developing and executing merchandising and promotional programs to achieve retail sales and gross profit objectives. This person will also coach the Produce Field Specialist to provide product training and related consultative services to assigned retailers.

Position Reports to: 
Director, Produce Merchandising
Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties: 

Category Merchandising/Promotional Activity

  • Partner with the Marketing and Procurement groups to initiate and implement programs designed to support and enhance customer penetration (PCR).
  • Make recommendations regarding new programs and products. 
  • Provide direction, feedback and recommendations on the programs and “go-to-market” strategies that will be the most impactful for the customer.
  • Create sales opportunities through category management and market principles with relation to SKU rationalization, merchandising, and niche market applications.
  • Identify key product growth areas/markets and quantify sales opportunities for assigned customers.
  • Communicate New Item innovation to retail customers.
  • Create and maintain accurate and timely customized order guides.
  • Grow sales by creating weekly ad and supporting existing merchandising programs
  • Develop a weekly communication and methodology to quote ad/promotional pricing, new or seasonal items and general market conditions to assigned retailers.
  • Develop and implement marketing/promotional plans to drive retail and subsequent wholesale sales in assigned retail groups.
  • Responsible for proofing and ensuring accuracy of promotional activity and communication within assigned category
  • Review weekly ad forecasts and provide direction to the buyers to determine what inventory levels are needed to meet ad requirements
  • Coordinate and participate in plan-o-gram design and implementation to maximize sales
  • Provide competitive merchandising solutions for retail formats by researching market conditions to determine potential sales of product or service and retail trends
  • Stay abreast of all industry related product, issue, technology and equipment trends.
  • Manage vendor relationships within assigned categories

Profitability/Finance

  • Partner with Merchandising Director to conduct quarterly business reviews with each customer business unit.
  • Review period data to assess sales, service levels and category profitability, make adjustments as needed
  • Analyze margin return and effective “spends” to insure that the any monies spent on the cost of goods is developing an effective positive change in incremental profits
  • Deploy internal margin management and multi-formula sell programs to achieve profit and gross dollar objectives. 

Customer Service/Relationships

  • Manage warehouse issues including billing, returns, lost sales, product recalls, aged and discontinued product.
  • Lead and coach assigned retailers in the concept and principals of perishable category management fundamentals.
  • Maintain timely communications with assigned retail customers.
  • Represent the company by developing and maintaining a positive business relationship with retail customers, new clients and Supervalu region staffs.
  • Perform all related assignments and special projects as assigned by the Merchandising Director and the Vice President of Fresh Merchandising in a timely and effective manner.
  • Resolve all internal and external customer requests and concerns while maintaining a high level of professionalism and service

People Leadership

  • Manage assigned Merchandiser through the aspects of category merchandising
  • Lead, coach and develop area Produce Specialists and Department Specialists to create a development path for our associates.
  • Hold Produce Field Specialists accountable for sales and support execution of sales and merchandising programs.

Scope

  • Direct Reports:  2 - 8 (Merchandiser, Sales & Promo lead, Field Specialist and Department Specialist)
Skills: 

Competencies that are preferred for this position include: Sound Decision Making,Strategic Thinking,Creative Thinker, Financial Acumen,Meet Customer Needs, Build Realistic Plans, Manage Execution, Show Drive & Initiative, Build Support, Motivate Others, Develop Others, Promote Teamwork, Foster Open Communications, Establish Relationships, Establish Trust and Show Adaptability.

Physical Environment

  • Most work is performed in a temperature controlled office environment.  During part of the workday the incumbent could be moving about the Distribution Center warehouse floor and potential hazards exist in regard to machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, mechanized systems, movement of tractors and trailers, etc. 
  • Temperatures in the work environment may vary between 30 to 100 degrees. 
  • Noise levels in all areas are within acceptable tolerance ranges for those specific work areas.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
  • Position responsibilities requires some travel (up to 10%) during the work week and occasional weekend travel.
  • Incumbent will use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of the workday.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws.  The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

 

Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Five years minimum industry and/or Produce experience essential.
  • Previous Merchandiser experience essential.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • SUPERVALU Buying Systems acumen.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone.
  • Basic computer skills required and personal computer experience, with work processing and spreadsheet applications preferred.
  • Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities.
  • Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
  • Demonstrates aptitude for and interest in financial reporting.
  • Proven success in a results driven environment.

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