Retail Fresh Specialist

Position Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all Fresh Departments (Produce, Meat, Deli, Bakery, Seafood) to support independent retailers.
• Provide coaching and training to store managers and department leads on best practices in ordering, handling, merchandising, and display execution.
• Conduct purposeful store visits focused on driving sales, gross margin, quality, and shrink improvement.
• Partner with retailers on new item introductions, seasonal sets, and differentiated offerings to strengthen competitive position.
• Support store resets, remodels, and new store openings to ensure Fresh Departments are impactful and consistent.
• Utilize reporting tools (Power BI, internal dashboards) to identify opportunities and provide actionable feedback.
• Communicate market and product trends, seasonal opportunities, and best practices to retailers.
• Maintain regular contact with retailers between site visits to ensure follow-up and continuity of support.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Sales Counselors, Procurement, Warehouse, Marketing) to resolve issues and deliver coordinated retailer support.
• Document findings and recommendations from retailer visits and ensure timely follow-up.
• Embrace and model cooperative culture and values by being accountable, collaborative, and focused on retailer success.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support retailer success.

Essential Skills & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; 3–5 years of experience in Fresh/Perishable departments (Produce, Meat, Deli, Bakery, Seafood).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to coach, train, and build relationships; effective in both oral and written communication.
• Proficiency in related software applications; experience with reporting/dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI) preferred.
• Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising standards, and sales principles specific to Fresh Departments.
• Ability to interpret trends, and prepare clear, actionable insights to drive retailer success.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly within assigned territory.

NON ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Business degree (Associate or Bachelor)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequent travel within assigned territory is required.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.