Category Specialist - Bakery, Deli - Remote

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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…