Supplier & Brands Relationship Manager

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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversees short and long-term strategic supplier sourcing and selection, supplier on boarding 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 faciliate 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.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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 reaserch and analysis of competitive conditions, customer needs, and market trends.
• Works with the Supply Chain Managers to monitor and manager 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.

Education/Certification:

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

Required Knowledge:

• 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.

Experience:

• 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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 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 where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, trade shows, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Health & Dental Benefits offered on first day of employment, AIP, Competitive PTO plan, RRSP with employer-matching contributions following 6 months of employment, employee discount on UNFI products, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, other benefits applicable to specific role.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .