Merchandising Specialist

Job Overview

The Merchandising Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the execution of merchandising and promotional programs by ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timely input of item, pricing, and promotional data across systems. This role partners closely with Category Management and Sales & Promotions teams to support weekly ad execution, vendor programs, pricing, and assortment management, ensuring that all promotional and merchandising activities are executed accurately and efficiently. 

The Merchandising Specialist serves as a key operational bridge between category strategy and promotional execution, supporting the flow of data and information that enables effective sales-driving programs. 

Job Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

Promotional & Pricing Execution Support 

• Input and maintain promotional, pricing, and deal information across merchandising and ad planning systems 
• Ensure accuracy of promotional data, including: Item selection, Pricing, Vendor funding, Promotional dates, and details 
• Support execution of weekly ad programs, events, and promotional initiatives 
• Validate promotional inputs prior to publication to ensure accuracy and consistency 
  
  

System & Data Management 

• Maintain accurate item, assortment, and pricing information across multiple systems 
• Ensure alignment between merchandising systems and promotional planning tools 
• Support updates related to assortment changes, new items, and item discontinuations 
• Assist in maintaining data integrity across all merchandising and promotional platforms 
  
  

Vendor Program & Deal Support 

• Assist with setup and tracking of vendor promotions and trade funding programs 
• Support Category Managers in maintaining accurate records related to deals, contracts, and funding 
• Review vendor promotional submissions for completeness and accuracy 
• Help ensure promotions align with agreed vendor terms and program details 
  
  

Cross-Functional Coordination 

• Partner with Sales & Promotions Coordinators to ensure smooth execution of promotional workflows 
• Collaborate with Category Management, Marketing, and Operations teams 
• Act as a liaison between merchandising, promotions, and support functions to resolve issues 
• Respond to internal and external questions related to item, pricing, or promotion details 
  
  

Reporting & Analysis Support 

• Gather, compile, and organize data to support category and promotional analysis 
• Create and maintain reports, spreadsheets, and templates that support execution and decision-making 
• Assist in tracking promotional performance inputs and validating supporting data 
• Support ad hoc reporting and information requests 
  
  

Operational Execution & Issue Resolution 

• Ensure accurate processing of exception orders and system transactions 
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in pricing, promotions, and item data 
• Support troubleshooting of system or execution issues related to promotions 
• Maintain high standards of accuracy and timeliness in all deliverables 
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

Process Support & Improvement 

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and workflow execution 
• Support implementation of process improvements and system enhancements 
• Contribute to documentation and standardization of processes 
  
  

Customer & Stakeholder Support 

• Provide responsive, professional support to internal teams and external partners 
• Ensure timely resolution of issues impacting promotional and merchandising execution 
• Contribute to consistent and high-quality execution supporting retailer satisfaction
• Performs other duties as assigned
  
  

Job Requirements

Education/ Certifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent experience required 
  
  

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in merchandising, retail, supply chain, or related field 
• Experience with pricing, promotions, or item data management preferred 
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy across systems 
• Solid Excel and data management skills 
• Understanding of merchandising, pricing, and promotional processes 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills 
• Problem-solving skills with ability to identify and resolve data issues 
• Ability to work independently within established processes 
• 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.
  
  

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.
  
  

Physical Environment/Demands

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• 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.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

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. - 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.

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.