Supplier & Brands Relationship Manager

Job Overview

Primary responsibility is managing specific brands, suppliers and their products on a regional or national scale, where single point of contact may be the standard operating procedure in the management of suppliers.

Responsible for sourcing new suppliers and items for all sales channels and managing those relationships towards maximizing sales and profit opportunities for UNFI and when strategically in alignment, increasing sales opportunities for the supplier.

A core subset in the management of supplier relationships, especially in a single point of contact alignment is fostering an environment of professional interaction which provides a path to growth and profits for both UNFI and its suppliers.

• Oversees short and long‑term strategic supplier sourcing and selection, supplier onboarding execution, and development of protocols specific to enhancing suppliers’ ability to be a profitable and successful supplier to UNFI.
• Identifies suppliers for product and sales penetration opportunities. Networks with industry leaders and builds relationships to facilitate expanded sales opportunities.
• Creates and manages a supplier business environment that builds supplier programs designed to drive profitable sales for UNFI and its suppliers.
• Regularly reviews SKU mix independently, and with cooperation of suppliers, to ensure UNFI distribution centers stock the necessary items required within the marketplace.
• Provides regular instruction to suppliers regarding pricing, procedures, and product insight based on researching and analyzing competitive conditions, customer needs, and market trends.
• Designs strategies to capitalize on market opportunities and ensuring that strategic supplier selection and plans complement marketplace needs, and includes small emerging suppliers as proposed by other UNFI associates (Supply Chain Managers and Sales associates).
• Negotiates and subsequently develops and implements effective pricing and promotion strategies, and delivers advertising programs in conjunction with the Marketing Department and Sales team.

• Researches and recommends potential strategic alliances with suppliers, third‑parties and other entities.
• Develops new revenue opportunities consistent with national supply chain and company goals through the research and analysis of competitive conditions, customer needs, and market trends.
• Works with the Supply Chain Managers to monitor and manage supplier fill rate performance and develops strategies with the supplier to improve performance metrics without added cost to UNFI.
• Attends trade shows and other industry events to foster stronger relationships with the suppliers and customers.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

• Excellent understanding of market penetration strategies, market development techniques and market segmentation strategies, coupled with a high level insight to retailer trends and consumer behaviours.
• Excellent negotiation and management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Powerpoint, Word).
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of promotional techniques, protocols, pricing strategies, distribution channels and competitive set.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, manufacturing costs and product price components.

• 7 or more years of related business development in category management, sales, purchasing, or related fields.
• Progressive managerial experience is desired.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships with associated experience in supplier mentoring and training.

• Excellent leadership abilities.
• Able to organize, coordinate, and direct projects.
• Strong oral and written communications abilities.
• Solid analytical and technical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Computer literate with ability to use all related hardware and software.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

This position is classified as remote…