Category Specialist - Remote

Job Overview:

Partner with Whole Foods Market to implement category marketing and promotional programs. Assist and educate the customer in category offering, maximize sales, and help grow the company's product offering. This role will collaborate with the customer to achieve sales objectives.

What does it mean to be part of the Sales team?

The Sales team is responsible for providing high quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for their assigned customer(s). Our sales team is crucial in delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. With an ever-expanding selection of 1,000 new products every month, our team helps maximize sales with the right assortment of products based on customers' demographics and lifestyle. We are responsible for creating relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty to help our customers achieve their goals, delivering better together.

Responsibilities:

• Main point of contact for category growth and support with the customer.
• Report competitive information and category trends to the customer.
• Leads reporting on new item launches and distributor transition with the customer.
• Analyzes and develops action plans around service level reporting to customer.
• Respond to requests from the customer and internal departments.
• Display or demonstrate product, applies knowledge of products and services, and demonstrate benefits and features to promote category.
• View or retrieve essential customer information, analyze missed opportunities for sales, and review potential sales with the customer.
• Complete department projects as needed.
• Collaborate with vendors to execute promotions and holiday programs with the customer.
  
  

Job Requirement/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• Two to four years related experience and/or training
• Project Management experience preferred
• System Implementation preferred
  
  

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including data entry, formatting, and building pivots.
• Knowledge of products specific to category, including basic department operations
• Ability to analyze and determine sales opportunities.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the customer
• Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions, and related techniques
• Knowledge of Microsoft suite, Access and database software
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
  
  

Work Environment- Remote

• 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.
  
  

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.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.