Come join our growing UNFI Brands+ team! This exciting opportunity focuses on driving sales within our private brands team. We have one of the most comprehensive private label programs available today - with over 5,000 products across 200 categories throughout the store, we believe we have what today’s consumer is seeking from national brand equivalents to opening price points to gourmet, specialty and organic offerings.

Job Overview:

The position is responsible for leading and establishing sales plans for accounts. Establishes sales goals, measures and accountability with and for the team (i.e., sales consultants). Identifies, implements and monitors UNFI Brands+ Offerings to achieve sales and EBITDA targets. This role will collaborate with customers and Region Sales on the development and growth of Brands+ programs within targeted accounts. Additionally, acts as the Brands+ expert on topics as it relates to Sales. This position may include broker management working with brokers to strategically plan and execute promotion and brand plans. This position is remote in Twin Cities, MN, candidate must live in Twin Cities metro area.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Sales Development & Account Results (50%):

• Works independently with customers and Sales leaders to support current sales base, develop customized plans to deliver profitable sales at retail and wholesale. Skilled in joint business planning with customers focused on distribution, shelf, merchandising, and pricing elements to deliver short and long-term objectives.
• Responsible for the sales and profit results within their assigned territory of Brands+
• Owns and identifies customer needs and owns/drives opportunities of Brands+ programs to develop new business in accounts.
• Partners and collaborates with Region Sales Account Manager and Sales Director/Manager team as a Brands+ expert-drive sales in partnership with sales with key accounts.
• Leads in conducting annual business reviews, specific to Brands+ with key accounts-establishes sales plans for accounts and achieves period, quarterly and annual goals for accounts in assigned sales territory.
• Develops, manages, and sustains strong working relationships with internal and external constituents to drive overall sales growth and profitability of the Brands+ programs.
• Monitors progress/performance of Brands + programs to ensure expected outcomes are achieved.
• Provide training and support as needed to Region Sales on Brands+ strategy and initiatives.
• Manages and leads customer sales meetings/calls as needed/necessary to provide Brands+ expertise to drive program adoption.
• Establishes and maintains a regular schedule of sales calls on assigned accounts.
• Sells in early adoption of new items to all customers
• This position may include broker management working with brokers to strategically plan and execute promotion and brand plans.

Collaborates across boundaries to partner and drive results (30%):

• Initiates and takes action on business opportunities. Manages merchandising account, develops programs and promotions
• Leads and collaborates with region sales team to align on sales expectations and business initiatives
• Monitors the changing environment to be sensitive to region and retailer needs; this includes maintaining a strong working relationship with region retailers
• Assists the region and Brands+ team to help secure and then convert new business
• Owns and develops plans to achieve delivered objectives/budget/results
• Manages and develops trade and promotional strategies across account base

Communications (10%):

• Serves as a communication link between key accounts and UNFI:
• Owns the customer relationship for Brands+ with customers and region team and broker teams
• Serves as a key communication link between account and Brands+
• Works collaboratively with Brands+ and region leadership and account teams.
• Attends and participates in sales meetings with Brands+, region sales, and customer initiative events

Personal and Professional Development (10%):

• Gains knowledge and additional skills in appropriate business-related areas.
• Expectations to build and improve own and team proficiencies

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or 5+ years equivalent applicable experience required

Experience:

• Retail/Wholesale experience required
• People Management and Broker management experience preferred
• Ability to work with array of product and services

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Strong strategic, planning and leadership skills
• Excellent organization and communication skills essential
• Previous people management work experience preferred- leading direct team and/or broker teams as assigned
• Familiar with grocery retail and wholesale operations
• Must have strong relationship building and customer service skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in taking initiative and making appropriate decisions
• Must be able to adapt to competitor and/or market shifts, must be able to learn/adapt quickly to changes and cooperate/promote partnerships
• Planning and organizing skills
• Strong detail orientation and communication skills essential
• Proficiency with computer systems and applications (especially Word, Excel, Basic Access essential)
• Proven ability to take direction from multiple sources
• Ability to show personal initiative and commitment and to work independently
• Ability to sell in a consultative manner
• Ability to work cross functionally with different internal departments

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.

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