Merchandising Specialist

Join Our Community of Food People! Supports the Area Merchandising function by addressing and resolving service requests, new item setup, and excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory issues in a timely manner. Utilizes detailed knowledge of US Foods products, systems, and tools. Serves as the primary liaison between PSSA, Replenishment, and Category Management related to merchandising activities. Works closely with area departments - particularly Category Management and Replenishment - to support vendor and supplier communications. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Acts as the central escalation point of contact for all service requests related to product specifications, availability, substitutions, and merchandising issues. Serves as gatekeeper for the New Item Request (NIR) process and tracking log, including approvals and 30/60/90-day follow-up. Supports Category Operations Managers with analytics requests, local flyer item selection, rebate solicitation, Roll Out Book reviews, and assortment projects. Partners on E&O follow-up, CASIS billings, vendor meeting preparation, and post-launch reviews. Serves as the escalation point of contact for RSC inquiries related to merchandising activities. Develops subject matter expertise in US Foods systems and tools to respond to inquiries quickly and accurately. Builds and maintains broker and vendor relationships and leverages internal resources to independently resolve and follow up on PSSA-related items. Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure timely, accurate communication of merchandising updates and issue resolution. RELATIONSHIPS Internal: Category Operations Managers, Marketing Managers, Replenishment, Pricing team, Territory Managers, Account Executives External: Local vendors and brokers, as needed. WORK ENVIRONMENT Onsite : The associate in this role is expected to perform assigned responsibilities inside a US Foods office-based environment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 5 years of purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel EDUCATION College degree or equivalent distribution and/or food service supply chain work experience PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Previous US Foods experience PRISM/Merlin/Tandem skills Purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience in a foodservice distribution environment. Strong organizational, analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated focus on delivering effective service to both internal and external customers. Proven ability to research issues, elevate as needed, and follow through with urgency while overcoming obstacles using a solutions‑focused approach. PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33 / FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% / CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% or NEVER JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO: FREQUENCY: STAND - OCCASIONALLY WALK - OCCASIONALLY DRIVE - NEVER SIT - FREQUENTLY LIFT 1-10 lbs (Sedentary) - OCCASIONALLY 11-20 lbs (Light) - OCCASIONALLY 21-50 lbs (Medium) - NEVER 51-100 lbs (Heavy) - NEVER Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy) - NEVER CARRY 1-10 lbs (Sedentary) - OCCASIONALLY 11-20 lbs (Light) - OCCASIONALLY 21-50 lbs (Medium) - NEVER 51-100 lbs (Heavy) - NEVER Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy) - NEVER PUSH/PULL1 NEVER CLIMB/BALANCE NEVER STOOP/SQUAT NEVER KNEEL NEVER BEND NEVER REACH ABOVE SHOULDER OCCASIONALLY TWIST OCCASIONALLY GRASP OBJECTS2 OCCASIONALLY MANIPULATE OBJECTS3 FREQUENTLY MANUAL DEXTERITY4 CONTINUOUSLY 1 (Push/Pull: Dolly, cartons and boxes) 2 (Grasp Objects: Boxes and cartons) 3 (Manipulate Objects: Boxes and dolly) 4 (Manual Dexterity: Typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers) Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $60,000 - $95,000 EOE– Race/Color/Religion/Sex/SexualOrientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/ Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status Puede ver este sitio de empleo y aplicación en español utilizando la configuración de su navegador o teléfono móvil. Haga clic a continuación para obtener más información. Microsoft Edge ( Google Chrome Safari iPhone Androide ( US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and generates more than $28 billion in annual revenue. Visit to learn more. US Foods may collect personal information from you in connection with the application process. US Foods complies with the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its policy may be found here ( . US Foods, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Know Your Rights ( Pay Transparency policy statement is available here ( US Foods is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process or to perform essential job functions, please contact our US Foods Application Accommodation Line at View phone number on click.appcast.io. You will be prompted to leave a message. Please state the specifics of the assistance needed and your contact information. A member of our HR department will return your call within two business days. #J-18808-Ljbffr