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: 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 MANIPULATION AND OTHER PHYSICAL TASKS 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) 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*** #J-18808-Ljbffr