Category Specialist - BD Pacific Northwest Area

Sales Position

Increase Bakery/Deli sales through education and implementation of marketing and promotional programs in conjunction with Director of Bakery/Deli. Work directly with Sales and customers on category products that ultimately relates to increased Bakery/Deli sales. Assist and educate Account Managers in category offering, maximize sales and help grow company product offering. This role will collaborate with the sales team to achieve the objective of Building Out the Store.

Core Responsibilities

Communicates competitive information to Sales Managers, Category Directors and Sales Reps

Create informative Sale Sheets and maintains a library of appropriate data as related to their specific category

Coordinates Customer training, enlisting Vendors, Brokers, and Sales as needed

Help with Sales presentations on new or current customers with potential sales and partner with Account Manager or Sales Rep with delivery

Travels throughout assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit orders, offer promotional opportunities, schematic suggestions and present new items.

Prepare proposals to include pricing and assessments of customer needs including department schematics

Attends and educates & learns by attending Sales Meetings and various Trade Shows

Report competitive information and category trends to appropriate sales team members

Oversee category development of new accounts and servicing of existing accounts.

Write and process sales documentation for use by the sales team in promoting department items and maintain a library of appropriate data related to specific categories.

Display or demonstrate product, apply knowledge of products and services and demonstrate benefits and features to promote sales.

Prepare written proposals to include required quotes and assessments of customer needs including department schematics (plan-o-grams) as requested by the customer.

Additional Responsibilities

View or retrieve essential customer information, analyze missed opportunities for sales and review potential sales with customers.

Available for resets or Product Demonstrations

Complete department projects as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent applicable experience required

Retail/Wholesale experience a plus

Experience:

5-7 years related experience and/or training

Development and execution of business plans, sales plans, and/or commission programs.

Understanding of sales programs, promotions and related techniques

Understanding of margin and company profitability

Demonstrated ability to drive new business and close sales

Strong relationship building and customer service skills a must

Strong detail orientation and communication skills essential

Proficiency with computer systems and applications (especially Word, Excel, Basic Access essential)

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

Knowledge of products specific to category including basic department operations.

Ability to analyze and determine sales opportunities

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.

Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions and related techniques.

Knowledge of word processing software; inventory software; internet software; Power Sell software; IDS systems and Powerfacts software

Motivated self-starter

Good oral, written and technical communication skills

Good customer relations and diplomacy

Good negotiation, organization and planning skills

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Incumbents 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 during a normal workday.

Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

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. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Company: UNFI Grocers Distribution Inc

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/provincial and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), Click HERE 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 (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); 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 (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate's first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI's commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent 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.

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 or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.