Assistant Produce Sales Manager

The Assistant Produce Sales Manager is expected to be the resident expert in the categories assigned, and responsible for driving sales and profits in those categories. This includes keeping on trend and relevant in the minds of our guests for those categories. This position will monitor and adapt item assortment, while negotiating diligently for the lowest possible cost of goods, in order to keep out everyday retails competitive. In addition, this position is responsible for creating and implementing promotional/merchandising plans that support our overarching "Go To Market" strategy, which would include, but not limited to our weekly ads, monthly planner, shopper marketing efforts and ecommerce platform.

Main responsibilities:

• Act as the master merchant in assigned categories by creating complete sales and merchandising plans for retail execution to meet guest needs and maximize sales and profits
• Provide analysis and develop recommendations for category and consumer trends
• Create recommendations for new items and new item placements and category schematic
• Formulate ad writing recommendations on promotional items to maximize sales
• Develop the promotional/merchandising strategy for each category of responsibility; align this with the timing/season of the ad planning and display planning process that supports the United "Go To Market" strategy
• Build and maintain a strong business relationship with partners
• Collaborate with the produce procurement team to ensure the item selection and product mix provides the best cost and maximum returns
• Develop a Store Brand strategy in each candidate where possible to meet United's distribution goals and profits related to the primary competitor
• Communicate effectively with the produce procurement team, produce ops specialists, retails stores, store directors, district managers, and leadership
• Support the "best in class" category management standard
• Visit retail locations (United & Competition) to understand category trends, shelving issues, etc.
• Visit local farms and farms throughout the country when possible, to help grow product knowledge, build partner relationships, and keep products on trend for our guests

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and/or 2 years of related experience in category management
• Possess strong analytical skills and ability to multi-task
• Strong computer skills & proficient in Microsoft Office
• Strong negotiating skills
• Understand gross profit as it applies to the grocery industry
• Understand United's pricing structure and relationships as it pertains to the Produce Department
• Enjoy working and collaborating in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills for developing positive and efficient working relationships with partners, fellow team members, the DC replenishment team, as well as our retail operations team.
• Ability to gain trust, respect, and buy-in from all levels of the organization
• Ability to lead, adapt to and influence change in organizational process and practices
• Ability to work independently without supervision and effectively manage time
• Ability to accept supervisory coaching related to performance, work habits, and attitude
• Ability to create, implement, and monitor effective business plans
• Ability to travel occasionally, some overnight could be required

We also offer:

• Competitive wages paid weekly

• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream

• Associate discounts

• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)

• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits

• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development

• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values - Click below to view video: ACI Values

A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.