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:
Trains and/or mentors other Category Merch Specialist associates
Oversees more escalated issues from other Category Merch Specialists
Performs research and informational analysis at direction of Category Manager or Director
Identifies areas of opportunity and develops solutions (utilizing report data for category)
Handles and coordinates tasks with full-department scope (i.e. new item setup, item maintenance, discontinued items)
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: (Required & Preferred)
2-year degree or equivalent experience
Experience:
4-6 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising
Skills/ Abilities:
Excellent internal system knowledge
Intermediate computer skills. Intermediate ability to work with Microsoft applications and use them as tools to organize information and solve complex problems.
Ability to gather information, analyze, articulate and solve complex problems.
Ability to oversee and balance information from multiple sources for multiple categories
Possess ability to direct, organize, lead other Category Merch Specialists and Category Merch Specialist II associates.
Ability to handle escalated questions and inquiries from customers/vendors
Ability to prioritize and manage against multiple competing priorities
Strong planning and organizational skills will be required. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
