Perishable Specialist

Join Certco, Inc. - Elevate Your Career in Perishable Specialization

Certco, Inc. headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Perishable Specialist to revolutionize our customer's store operations. As a Perishable Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of perishable departments within designated independent stores across your assigned sales territory. We're on the lookout for a new team member to provide top-notch service and support to our customers throughout the southern region of our territory. If you are looking for a career that is engaging and enjoyable, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity at Certco

What You'll Do:

• Optimize perishable department operations in independent stores within your assigned sales territory.
• Collaborate with store personnel to elevate customer satisfaction and streamline processes.
• Contribute to a positive and dynamic team environment.

Why Join Certco?

• Competitive salary with excellent opportunities for growth
• Voted as Madison's 2024 Top Workplace
• Premium low-cost insurance, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability
• Generous 401k match, profit sharing and paid time off
• Robust wellness program with gym reimbursement, smoking cessation support, on-site flu shots, on-site fitness center and weekly on-site chiropractic care to name a few of the amenities we provide
• Sponsorship of walks, runs, sports teams, and exciting company events like picnics, Christmas parties, and pro soccer games
• Flexible Schedule
• Company provided vehicle
• No weekends or Holidays
• Growing, thriving company - job security
• Amazing company culture

2024 Top Workplace

Certco has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin State Journal for 2024
This award reflects our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Our culture, which is built on teamwork, integrity and passion, sets us apart. As we move forward, we will continue to invest in our people and maintain our top workplace status.

Job Summary

Support store operations by elevating the efficiency of perishable departments in designated independent stores within assigned sales territory. Key objectives involve identifying and addressing customer needs, expanding, and preserving profitable sales in perishable departments, optimize in-store merchandising strategies, facilitate execution of Certco programing and merchandising events, and the successful placement of new items and innovation. Engage in department resets and merchandising based business needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide outstanding and timely customer service, addressing inquiries, and ensuring a positive experience for Certco customers in the perishable departments, and promote positive relations with Certco
• Understand customer preferences to customize recommendations and offerings, aiming for profitable department sales while considering factors like product profit margins, distribution rates, payroll & labor impact, and supply costs
• Collaborate with the Retail Sales Consultant and Category Management teams to develop and implement sales plans for perishable departments that will meet sales targets and support Certco programs
• Provide customer support and training that will improve meat, bakery, and deli sales
• Schedule routine store visits to ensure proper store call frequency and representation is achieved
• Utilize merchandising skills to optimize department sales and variety in the meat, bakery, deli, and produce departments
• Assess department processes and procedures to ensure product freshness, implementing strategies to minimize waste and enhance product presentation
• Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and seasonal variations to offer informed recommendations to customers. Key focus on value added opportunities and meal planning solutions.
• Promote the value of Private Brand and Certco's other products to expand or exceed set goals
• Take a hands-on approach in resets, remodels, new store openings, and store retagging
• Interacts with management, internal departments and warehouse for information and problem resolution to ensure customer satisfaction
• Prepares a variety of status reports including activity, closings, follow-up, and adherence to goals
• Reports on special developments, competitive information, trends, and other feedback gathered through field activity
• Work independently but ensure communication is shared with internal and external customers
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management
• Must be insurable for auto insurance coverage and possess a valid driver's license
• Is regular in attendance and complies with the Company Attendance Policy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong knowledge of grocery retail store practices, and wholesales principles with a focus on meat, bakery, deli, and produce departments
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and coordinate various activities simultaneously
• Ability to communicate with customers, co-workers, and business contacts in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports
• Able to lift-up to 50lbs
• Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment
• Possess computer skills, including a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft business programs such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent and excellent math skills
• 2-3 years' experience in food distribution or wholesale industry
• An understanding of food regulations, safety standards, and compliance

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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