Merchandiser - Fresh, Independent

As a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family of companies, SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. A distributor, wholesaler and retailer with a global supply chain network, SpartanNash distributes grocery and household goods, including fresh produce and the Our Family® portfolio of products, to locations in all 50 states.

Our braggingly happy team members — ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists — create braggingly happy customers spanning national accounts, independent and chain grocers, e-commerce retailers, U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, and the Company’s own brick-and-mortar grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel centers.

Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

1100 Prosperity Road - Lima, Ohio 45801

Position Summary:

This role is responsible to manage the wholesale sales and gross profit for their category and area. Establishes and maintains relationships with all independent customers that are serviced by the division. Ensures the execution of merchandising and marketing plans necessary to drive sales. Provides staff assistance in the areas of sales calls, procurement and merchandising. 

Here's what you’ll do: 

• Assures assigned stores meet sales, expenses, gross and net profit objectives while monitoring implementation of corporate merchandising programs and operational standards within area of responsibility. 
• Reviews programs prepared by the Category Management team, recommends adjustments to meet local conditions and works with Sales team and if necessary, directly with independent retailers, on action plans to implement. 
• Monitors and follows up on operating performance of stores within local territory with specific regard to sales and profit performance of all existing and new products. 
• Analyze and interpret product category data and train others on how to use data to increase sales and maximize profits. Work with SpartanNash Category/Product Development Managers, industry partners, vendors, brokers, manufacturers and distributors to bring support to category management programs, including reset activities. 
• Advise Category Management team of product assortment/selection through appropriate analysis such as adding new items or deleting poor performing items to allow Category/Product Development Managers the ability to provide the most appropriate support to members. 
• Serve as the local primary source of information for assigned categories and use information to influence the team and to improve the results. 
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years marketing, category management, product management and/or product development experience. 
• Experience purchasing in a retail or wholesale environment. 
• Strong oral and written communication, financial acumen, strategic problem solving, leadership, and analytical skills.  
• Excellent influencing and negotiations skills.  
• Proven experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.  
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Biceps Purchasing System is a plus.  
• Experience in Deli/Bakery is highly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 70%, averaging 2-3 overnight stays per week, with travel frequency varying based on business needs.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans. 

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.