Manager Regional Operations

PURPOSE:

Responsible for leading Closed Loop Retail Execution (CLRE), reporting directly to the Director. Manages relationships with suppliers to align on the right items, the number of items, and the overall list. Ensure accuracy and execution of all reporting about the CLRE process encompassing both Natural and Conventional. Communication of results and updates to internal and external stakeholders including vendors, UNFI leadership, merchandising, and sales. Driving continuous improvement and results both for UNFI and the supplier. They provide relevant solutions for experienced-level employees, including sales, directors, and VPs. Communication of results and updates to internal and external stakeholders including vendors, UNFI leadership, merchandising, and sales.

Lead with other Merchandising Operations tasks as well as Category Management, including Category Business Planning and retailer projects. Supervises professional level employee s entry-level or experienced. Responsibilities include setting goals and objectives and working through problems to find solutions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supplier Growth Partnership Reporting:

Manages relationships with suppliers to align on items, and number of items, and deliver value to the supplier and retailers through the core void process.

Directly responsible for ensuring accuracy and execution of all reporting concerning the CLRE process encompassing both Natural and Conventional.

Driving continuous improvement and results both for UNFI and the supplier.

Ensure accuracy and Execution of all reporting concerning the CLRE process encompassing both Natural and Conventional.

Present results as requested.

Drive for results; provide frequent feedback on progress towards goals.

Scorecards are updated weekly and published to the sales and leadership team.

Operations:

• Lead overall Merchandising Regional Operations projects.
• Collaborating and leading without direct supervisory responsibility is an essential component of this position.
• Prepare detailed plans of how to execute and improve processes.

  
  
  

  Category Business Planning:

  
  
  

  • Establishes the overall development of a strategic Category Business Plan (CBP). Responsible for defining the strategy for defined categories through extensive research, data analysis, and collaboration with suppliers to gain insights into consumer studies and insights.
  • Price and Promotion.
  • Synthesizes market, supplier, and consumer information to identify national price and promo opportunities; provides input to departmental leadership on ad space allocations by department/banner (i.e. ad space plan); negotiates promo/display and ad terms for national deals.
  • Utilize promotion tools to achieve Category Business Plan. Reviews competitive activity and adjusts programs and tactics accordingly.
  • Utilizes category scorecards and consumer insights to identify trends that lead to the alignment of sales and profit goals and commitments.
  • Provide strategic guidance for product, price, placement, and promotion.

    
    
    

    Shelf Management, Assortment & Resets:

    
    
    

    • Reviews full assortment and develops plan; builds regional/banner assortment and presentation; reviews lines and new items with national vendors; reviews and approves national and local vendor recommendations; makes discontinue recommendations, national items; item and vendor setup.
    • Leads development of shelf presentation (POG); works in collaboration with regional and banner merchants to collect feedback.
    • Have awareness of impact of store clustering and demographics to make sound business decision to support neighborhood market strategy.
    • Performs other relevant job duties as required.

      
      
      

      JOB REQUIREMENTS:

      
      
      

      • Bachelor s degree or equivalent preferred.

        
        
        

        Experience:

        
        
        

        • 5+ Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Spectra Data, Syndicated Data Sources, and Category Management applications).
        • Previous experience in store operations or merchandising preferred.
        • Has an in-depth understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices (P&L, financial management, etc.).

          
          
          

          Skills/Abilities:

          
          
          

          • Cultivates effective relationships with vendors and participates in national vendor negotiations.
          • Establishes strategic relations with key suppliers that lead to new consumer and industry insights.
          • Negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.
          • Independently problem-solves issues and leads projects for department and company.
          • Provides direction to Category Analysts, Category Managers, and sales.
          • Experience with syndicated data.
          • Experience writing and executing a detailed business plan.
          • Analytical Skills: Must have a strong knowledge base in supermarket retail and an understanding of consumer behavior concerning product performance; must carry a detailed understanding of cause-effect relations between operational levers and performance (assortment/price vs. volume/margins) by utilizing financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research background. Strong planning and organizational skills.
          • Management Skills: Experience in successfully leading, motivating, and monitoring performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to partner as a team.
          • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside of the company.
          • Technical skills: Well-developed computer aptitude with proficient skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Must be able to adapt to and learn new systems quickly.
          • Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work successfully across all areas of the company; can successfully monitor performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to influence and lead effective partnerships with the banners; can thrive in a complicated matrix environment. Innovation: Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports innovation; leverages fresh perspectives, breakthrough ideas, and new paradigms to create value in the market.
          • Strategic Skills: Demonstrate ability to understand and think big picture; develop and deliver category plans and programs that complement both the corporate and departmental strategies leading to strong category sales and profit performance. Ability to problem solve and find solutions to problems, seek guidance when necessary.

            
            
            

            PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

            
            
            

            • Some travel may be required.
            • Incumbent may sit for long periods 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 during the normal workday.
            • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

              
              
              

              All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

              
              
              

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