Category Merchandise Specialist II

United Natural Foods; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods is seeking a Category Merch Specialist to support Merchandising across categories and DCs, ensuring accurate data and timely input into planning systems.

You will coordinate with Category Managers and vendors, input pricing and deals, and maintain assortment information, while building basic Excel templates and reports to support planning and execution.

Qualifications

• 2-year degree or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years retail/supply chain merchandising experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Supports multiple categories and DCs across systems.
• Inputs pricing, deals and promotions accurately.
• Coordinates with Category Managers and vendors.
• Maintains assortment and shelf data in systems.
• Processes exception orders and vendor promotions.
• Develops basic Excel templates and reports.

Skills

Excel

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Escalation handling

Education

2-year degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Internal systems

Vendor management systems

Promotional planning systems

Job description

Purpose

The Category Merch Specialist is responsible for executing specialized support tasks in a specific merchandising department. These functions are exercised across various systems and require timely input with a high level of accuracy. Will provide support tasks related to executing sales and merchandising strategies.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides support across multiple categories and DCs.
• Coordinates more complex project work that may involve multiple DC locations and coordination across multiple Category Managers (i.e. building Expo Books).
• Handles escalated customer requests or questions.
• Gathers and inputs information into the promotional planning systems and communicates that information to the appropriate retailers and/or regions.
• Responsible for keeping information related to assortment and shelf accurate in the appropriate systems.
• Communicates pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions. Ensures accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with Category Manager.
• Responsible for accurate input of deals into the appropriate systems.
• Assists the Category Manager in accurate record keeping associated to contracts, deals and promotions.
• Provides as needed support to the Category Manager related to planning. Assists in gathering appropriate information, record keeping and filing related to planning process.
• Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and is a liaison between other business planning groups.
• Processes exception orders and order entry in the system.
• Reviews and approves vendor promotions. Information gathering, compiling and spread sheet creation.
• Develops, maintains and reviews basic Excel templates and reports.
• Provides Vendor support as necessary such as sending samples or picking up product.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements

Education / Certifications

• 2-year degree or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 2-4 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising.

Skills / Abilities

• Proficient internal system knowledge.
• Ability to handle escalated questions and inquiries from customers/vendors.
• Ability to prioritize and manage against multiple competing priorities.
• Proficient computer skills. Proficient ability to work with Microsoft Office applications and use them as tools to organize information and solve complex problems.
• Proficient problem-solving skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills; must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, etc.) and use them to organize information.
• Basic understanding of business planning and category management preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, matrixed environment. Must be able to work effectively within your own team while developing strong relationships with others such as other internal teams, vendors and customers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships.
• Must have a strong attention to detail. Accurate input of information into multiple systems is critical to this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status. UNFI is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.