Retail Store Representative - Northern, NJ - Hybrid

Merchandising Sales Representative

Serve as the primary field sales representative for UNFI-distributed programs and select specialty/non-foods brokerage categories, including brands purchased directly by customers. Analyze individual and grouped store performance to support and implement customer-driven programs in collaboration with UNFI Account Management.

Job Responsibilities:

• Monitor new item performance using customer systems; analyze movement and recommend adjustments based on sales data. Introduce new items and manage pricing strategies for cost changes and promotions. Track and manage discontinued items in alignment with customer policies. Oversee shelf conditions including product rotation, tag accuracy, and general presentation.
• Support promotional presentations and sales program rollouts.
• Consults with store management on cross merchandising opportunities. Responsible for the effective completion of sales records and reports and ensures that sales records are accurate.
• Partner with UNFI Natural and Specialty Category Management to execute "Neighborhood Marketing" strategies, focusing on assortment, merchandising, and promotional execution.
• Ensure Plan-o-Gram accuracy and compliance across assigned stores.
• Maintains stock reports to ensure appropriate product levels. Completes miscellaneous inventory and sales reports as assigned.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining good public relations with customers, as well as effective working relations with personnel and with management. Responds to inquiries in an informed and polite manner. Refers questions as appropriate. Follows through on requests for services or products. Keeps customers well informed of order status.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications:

• High School diploma required or equivalent related experience.
• Valid Driver's License and auto insurance meeting UNFI requirements.

Experience:

• 3+ years in Perishable, grocery, or food merchandising
• System implementation is preferred.
• Previous sales or customer service experience helpful

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and merchandising tools.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate promotional activities and or/ special events.
• Strong knowledge of UNFI distributed programs and product facts.
• Understanding professional sales procedures and customer service.
• Good public relations skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work across multiple store locations.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

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.

Local Travel (major):

• Travel is required up to (95)% for this position.

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: Weekly Pay, Competitive 401k, Competitive PTO plan, Health benefits first of the month following 30 days of employment, mileage reimbursement, mentorship program/developmental opportunities.

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. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Company: United Natural Foods Inc.