Seafood Merchandising Manager

Job Overview Responsible for sourcing, pursuing, securing, and developing the highest potential new seafood opportunities to drive COP penetration in new and existing accounts. Executing the implementation of US Foods division seafood strategy within the defined market area, and providing strategic counsel to district and regional sales managers to capture and penetrate high‑potential seafood growth opportunities and develop market share. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Research potential customer requirements, menu design, business size, current suppliers, etc.; analyze current trends within the market and remain informed of seafood market conditions, product innovations, competitors' products, prices, and sales. Share information with chefs/specialists to provide customers with new menu ideas and products. In coordination with local merchandising & sales leadership teams, develop and implement a plan for seafood share growth strategy that aligns with overall US Foods category strategy and goals. Drive KPIs across the category (sales case growth, category penetration, EB penetration, and TM feedback) and competitive market pricing; work with TMs to refine customer product offering, order guides, and potential pricing for new accounts. Communicate changing market conditions and weekly talking points for the sales team and top seafood customers. Become an expert on assigned US Foods exclusive brands programs, full product specifications, sourcing model, seasonality, and product variations. Work with merchandising & marketing to communicate incoming products, current inventory, item movement/history, seasonal projections, and potential/current outages to all stakeholders. Collaborate with local merchandising team to review NPD and NLP to develop species strategy and development plan. Train sales reps and specialists throughout the market area on key features and benefits of the category and how to better position the product with our customers. Build relationships with all sales management and Tier‑1 seafood customers to develop sales plans for excessive inventory, customer bids, and segment strategy. Leverage SME support to assist Specialists/NBMs/DSMs/RSMs in opening new accounts with highest potential and accompany them on high‑potential account visits. Other duties as assigned by manager. Relationships Internal: Work directly with local sales, sales support, and merchandising teams; collaborate closely with seafood commodity procurement manager and field category manager to build and execute strategy. External: Manage relationships with approved corporate and local seafood vendors and maintain customer relationships with top‑tier seafood customers and prospects. Work Environment Onsite: The associate is expected to perform assigned responsibilities inside a US Foods office‑based environment. Build and maintain relationships with top‑tier seafood customers through a combination of in‑person visits and telecommunication, requiring use of a personal vehicle and in‑person visits to accounts. Minimum Qualifications Minimum 4 years sales experience required, with project‑management experience preferred, ideally from the food service or food manufacturing industries. Up to 35% overnight travel required. Strong knowledge of a wide variety of seafood species and seasonality preferred. Preferred Qualifications Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, work effectively with multiple groups, and drive organizational transformations and change management. Must be able to provide fact‑based recommendations across a variety of management levels to achieve buy‑in and improvement in category performance. Self‑directed, highly motivated, strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint is required. Compensation Compensation depends on relevant experience, education, skills, function, geographic location, and other law‑compliant factors. Expected base rate for this role is between $75,000 and $125,000. Benefits Benefits 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. For details, see Physical Qualifications Standard required physical activities: Stand occasionally, walk occasionally, drive frequently, sit frequently. Lifting 1–10 lbs occasionally, 11–20 lbs occasionally; 21–50 lbs never, 51–100 lbs never; >100 lbs never. Carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing/balancing, stooping/squatting, kneeling, bending – all never. Manual dexterity continuous in typing, use of office machines such as copiers and printers. EEO Statement EOE– Race/Color/Religion/Sex/SexualOrientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status*** #J-18808-Ljbffr US Foods