Category Specialist - Bakery, Deli - Remote

UNFI; Providence (RI); Remote; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UNFI is seeking a dedicated individual to enhance Bakery/Deli sales by implementing marketing strategies. You'll collaborate with sales teams while working remotely. Responsibilities include preparing sales proposals, communicating with competitive sales data, and providing customer training.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years of experience in sales or retail. Strong relationship building and communication skills are essential for success. This role demands a detail-oriented professional committed to driving business growth.

Qualifications

• Retail/Wholesale experience a plus.
• 5-7 years related experience and/or training required.
• Ability to drive new business and close sales.

Responsibilities

• Communicates competitive information to sales teams.
• Prepares proposals with pricing and assessments.
• Travels to solicit orders and present new items.

Skills

Relationship building

Customer service

Detail orientation

Communication

Sales techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Power Sell Software

Job description

Job Overview

Increase Bakery / Deli sales through education and implementation of marketing and promotional programs in conjunction with Director of Bakery / Deli. Work directly with Sales and customers on category's products that ultimately relates to increased Bakery / Deli sales. Assist and educate Account Managers in category offering, maximize sales and help grow company product offering. This role will collaborate with the sales team to achieve the objective of Building Out the Store. What does it mean to be part of the UNFI Fresh team? Fresh meat & seafood, in-store / fresh bakery, chill wall deli, cheese & specialty, service deli & prepared foods - we are the largest fresh distributor in North America. From our dedicated category experts to local and global sourcing that delivers on‑trend, new and established products - we know chill and will help our customers have everything they need for their perishable perimeter. We strive to help make our customers stronger, our supply chain better, and our fresh food solutions more inspired.

Job Responsibilities

• Communicates competitive information to Sales Managers, Category Directors and Sales Reps
• Create informative Sale Sheets and maintains a library of appropriate data as related to their specific category
• Coordinates Customer training, enlisting Vendors, Brokers, and Sales as needed
• Help with Sales presentations on new or current customers with potential sales and partner with Account Manager or Sales Rep with delivery
• Travels throughout assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit orders, offer promotional opportunities, schematic suggestions and present new items
• Prepares proposals to include pricing and assessments of customer needs including department schematics
• Attends and educates & learns by attending Sales Meetings and various Trade Shows
• Report competitive information and category trends to appropriate sales team members
• Oversee category development of new accounts and servicing of existing accounts
• Write and process sales documentation for use by the sales team in promoting department items and maintains a library of appropriate data related to specific categories
• Display or demonstrate product, applies knowledge of products and services and demonstrate benefits and features to promote sales
• Prepare written proposals to include required quotes and assessments of customer needs including department schematics (plan‑ograms) as requested by the customer

Additional Responsibilities

• View or retrieve essential customer information, analyze missed opportunities for sales and review potential sales with particular customers
• Available for resets or Product Demonstrations
• Complete department projects as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent applicable experience required
• Retail / Wholesale experience a plus
• 5-7 years related experience and/or training
• Development and execution of business plans, sales plans, and/or commission programs
• Understanding of sales programs, promotions and related techniques
• Understanding of margin and company profitability
• Demonstrated ability to drive new business and close sales
• Strong relationship building and customer service skills a must
• Strong detail orientation and communication skills essential
• Proficiency with computer systems and applications (especially Word, Excel, Basic Access essential)
• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  • Knowledge of product specific to category including basic department operations
  • Ability to analyze and determine sales opportunities
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers
  • Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions and related techniques
  • Knowledge of word processing software; inventory software; internet software; Power Sell software; IDS systems and Powerfacts software
  • Motivated self‑starter
  • Good oral, written and technical communication skills
  • Good customer relations and diplomacy
  • Good negotiation, organization and planning skills
  • 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.

Physical Environment / Demands

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.