Merchandising Team Lead

United Natural Foods, Inc.; Waynesville (NC); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Paid time off

Health benefits

Mileage reimbursement

Cell phone

Mentorship program

Job summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. seeks a field merchandising specialist to implement planograms, lead resets, and coordinate with store staff to ensure accurate displays and inventory. Travel primarily in Asheville, NC and surrounding areas, with frequent onsite engagement and collaboration with account managers.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong organization, and proactive communication to optimize merchandising programs and respond to product requests while adhering to company policies.

Qualifications

• High School degree required.
• Valid Driver’s License is necessary.
• Auto Insurance levels that meet UNFI requirements.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and implement planograms; adjust sections and report concerns.
• Lead reset teams, direct merchandising staff, and adjust floor plans as needed.
• Rotate stock, process returns/credits per company policy.
• Interpret internal reports and assist retailers with assortment planning; close category gaps.
• Maintain relationships with customers and UNFI stakeholders via in-person, phone, and email.
• Order products aligning with customer needs and display them in stores.

Skills

Planograms

Customer service

Time management

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

Provides consistent, high-quality merchandising service at assigned customer or independent customer locations. Responsibilities include but not limited to, stocking shelves, executing resets and remodels, supporting continuity and cycle coverage programs, and occasionally ordering products. The incumbent will be asked to lead resets/remodels where they are provided the merchandising plans to execute and oversee the work of other UNFI RM’s & 3rd party providers as needed. Direction may be received from Retail Merchandising Coordinators/Supervisors/Managers/or Directors within Shelf Services.

Location/Territory: Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas

Job Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and implement planograms. Adjust sections as needed and report compliance or item availability concerns.
• Execute scheduled visits for Home Store or Field Sales programs. Lead reset teams, direct merchandising staff, and adjust floor plans as needed. Follow HACCP and SQF guidelines where applicable.
• Rotate stock, remove out-of-code items, and process returns/credits per company policy.
• Interpret internal reports and assist retailers with assortment planning. Close category sales gaps and complete documentation accurately and on time.
• Identify sales opportunities through creative merchandising. Promote assigned programs and respond to product requests.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers and UNFI stakeholders through in-person, phone, and email communication.
• Order products that align with customer needs and effectively display them in stores. Assist in hanging Shelf Tags, and promotional POS/POP Materials and resets.
• Develop and implement action plans with assistance from Supervisor or Account Manager on assigned projects. Ensure project deadlines are met and completed within budget.
• Positively Engage customers on the full Professional Services Portfolio to strengthen customer/UNFI relationship. Individual is adaptable and able to assist with any merchandising questions and provide solutions to assist in any problems encountered at a project or reset.

Job Requirements

Education/ Certifications

• High School degree required.
• Valid Driver’s License is necessary.
• Auto Insurance levels that meet UNFI requirements.

Experience

• Minimum 3+ years related experience in Retail or Distribution.
• Minimum of 1 year participating in Full store resets/remodels.
• Prior customer service experience in a retail setting.
• Food related product experience desired.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read, understand and implement planograms.
• Basic computer skills involving Microsoft Suite of Software.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment

Onsite Role

• This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of our UNFI locations, such as a customer, distribution center, or office.

Travel (major)

• Travel is required up to (95)% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands

• Daily travel is required and access to a vehicle is necessary
• Ability to get in and out of car multiple times per day
• Drive to and from accounts safely in city, rural and expressway conditions
• Ability to set up displays, fixtures, shelving and products
• Able to tolerate exposure to store and warehouse conditions including wide variances in temperature, dust and dirt
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

About UNFI

We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits

• Competitive 401k
• Competitive PTO
• Health benefits - first of the month following30 daysof employment
• mileage reimbursement
• cell phone
• LTI
• mentorship program/developmental opportunities

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.