Product Support Advisor - Food Manufacturing

Buckhead & Newport Meat and Seafood; Hampshire Township (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckhead & Newport Meat and Seafood seeks an onsite Merchandising Coordinator in Hampshire, IL to support local category initiatives and maintain strong communication with vendors, sales, and merchandising teams. The role emphasizes efficient order fulfillment, code management, inventory oversight, and proactive sales support.

You will act as the first point of contact for USBL merchandising questions, back up the Merchandising team, and contribute to product assortment updates, promotions, and

Qualifications

• Strong Excel skills and data handling proficiency.
• Ability to communicate clearly across departments.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach to issues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact with key vendors and suppliers; coordinate with Merchandisers, Brokers, and Sales on vendor issues.
• Drive local merchandising initiatives and support promotions and transitions.
• Standardize item descriptions and assist with code setup and transitions per Master Data guidelines.
• Monitor inventory and aging/slow-moving stock; coordinate returns or sales strategies with vendors.
• Participate in regional meetings and reviews with Merchandising, suppliers, and sales teams.

Skills

Excel skills

Cross-functional communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Job description

Supports the Buckhead | Newport Meat & Seafood companies merchandising departments by driving local category initiatives and maintaining consistent communication across vendors, sales, and merchandising. This role focuses on efficient order fulfillment, code management, inventory oversight, and proactive sales support. PSA will act as a first point of contact for B|N Sales and USBL merchandising questions, while also providing backup support to the Merchandising team and contributing to company goals including: product assortment updates, promotional execution, category transitions, master data management and product standardization.

FULL TIME ONSITE IN HAMPHIRE ILLINOIS

Primary Areas Of Responsibility

Vendor & Sales Liaison

• Serve as point of contact with key vendors/suppliers
• Communicate regularly with Merchandisers, Suppliers, Brokers, and Sales on all vendor-related issues
• Direct line of contact for local sales and communicate with and assist Sales on all Merchandising related issues
• Support sales team inquiries regarding product availability, pack changes, substitutions, pricing, or other product related questions
• Manage broker relationships and support supplier negotiations when needed

Merchandising & Category Support

• Drive local category initiatives and support merchandising team with transitions and promotional activities
• Actively support the implementation of national and local merchandising strategies
• Facilitate category training alongside Merchandisers and act as SME on USBL-related questions
• Participate in the execution of earned income programs and local marketing efforts

Code Management & Data Accuracy

• SME on MPC and Code/SUPC creation that are aligned with B|N Master Data guidelines
• Standardize and maintain accurate item descriptions across B|N Region systems
• Assist Merchandisers with code setup and transitions

Operational Oversight

• Manage freeze-by reports and 270+ sales/inventory tracking to ensure proactive communication and depletion
• Identify aging or slow-moving inventory and coordinate returns or sales strategies with vendors
• Serve as a backup to Merchandiser, maintaining familiarity with all vendors and categories under Merchandising

Key Meetings

• Regional Merchandising Dept. / Market Calls
• Commodity Calls
• Broker & Supplier Reviews
• Performance Reviews

Role Requirements

Location: On-site at Buckhead - Hampshire IL Travel: 5% or as needed

Skills & Abilities

• Strong Excel skills preferred
• Ability to manage conflict and communicate clearly across departments
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach to identifying and resolving issues
• Able to adapt to change and work cross-functionally
• Knowledge of merchandising systems and category transitions
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience with foodservice, retail, or distribution environments preferred

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, timely communication with vendors, brokers, and Sales
• Flawless execution of product transitions, promotions, and marketing events
• Reduction in product freezes and aging inventory issues
• Sales team confidence in Merchandising process and data
• Cross-regional alignment on product codes, descriptions, and vendor support
• Effective backup support to key Merchandising personnel
• Development toward future Merchandising role