Retail Merchandising Supervisor (IL, IN, MO)

Retail Merchandising Supervisor

The Retail Merchandising Supervisor position is responsible for the direction and performance of assigned Retail Merchandising team activity in an assigned region. The Retail Merchandising Supervisor will have impact on soliciting vendor, broker, and 3rd Party support within the appropriate accounts. This position is expected to be able to transition their leadership and expertise, between channels, banners, customers, and projects. An effective Retail Merchandising Supervisor will assist in the growth and development of the team's sales skills and operational performance. The Retail Merchandising Supervisor will provide quality service and achieve maximum sales while mitigating costs for their assigned territories.

Location/Territory: Central/Northern Illinois, Western Indiana, St Louis MO

Core Responsibilities

• Directs daily activities of field merchandising teams, coordinates resources for customer and sales projects, and communicates plans effectively.
• Builds, mentors, and leads a high-performing team. Promotes a culture of service, integrity, communication and collaboration. Recruits and trains team members.
• Maintains customer satisfaction through regular communication with managers and account teams. Participate in sales meetings and training.
• Oversees major merchandising projects, including store layout reviews and reset planning.
• Serves as primary contact for customers and merchandising initiatives. Build strong relationships with retailers and internal stakeholders.
• Communicates with key UNFI personnel on competitor activity, customer needs, and sales opportunities. Supports presentations and attends trade shows.
• Resolves conflicts and issues across retail, regional teams, UNFI, and vendor/broker partners.
• Manages territory budget, approves expenses, and monitors team financial performance.
• Tracks customer satisfaction and project outcomes. Responds to issues promptly and ensures resolution.
• Exercises independent judgment in project planning and selling Professional Services. Engages customers across the UNFI portfolio.
• Conducts store audits to identify staffing gaps and opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related area of experience preferred.
• Valid Driver's License is necessary.
• Auto Insurance levels that meet UNFI requirements.

Experience:

• 3+ years of retail experience, preferably in grocery or specialty channels.
• Prior experience managing a team.
• Customer service experience in a retail setting.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of industry best practices.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills both verbal and written.
• Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone.
• Possess good leadership skills and ability to supervise others effectively.
• Ability to motivate and work with others to achieve desired results.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

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.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 lbs., including boxes of product, promotional materials, and merchandising components.
• Ability to drive to and from customer accounts in city, rural, and expressway conditions, including during periods of inclement weather.
• Ability to set up in?store displays, fixtures, shelving, and product, including tasks such as:
• Using hand and finger dexterity to manipulate small parts, shelf clips, rack fittings, peg hooks, and signage materials
• Assembling cardboard or lightweight point?of?sale displays
• Positioning or adjusting metal shelving, endcaps, or modular fixtures within established safety parameters
• Placing, stocking, front?facing, or reorganizing product on shelves or displays
• Using step stools or small ladders to reach products or shelves at various heights (if part of the role expectations)
• Ability to work in and tolerate exposure to typical store and warehouse conditions, including but not limited to:
• Wide variances in temperature (e.g., refrigerated, ambient, and warmer retail areas)
• Dust, dirt, and debris consistent with retail and warehouse environments
• Noise levels from equipment, customers, or operational activity
• Strong or varying odors from products, cleaning supplies, or warehouse materials
• Bright or fluctuating lighting conditions
• 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.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

About UNFI: We are North America's premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices.

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO, Health benefits first of the month following 30 days of employment, mileage reimbursement.

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 Wholesale Inc.