Hispanic Retail Category Specialist (Center Store)

SpartanNash Food Solutions Company

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash's People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company?

Position Summary

This role is responsible for partnering with our Hispanic retail format stores as we continue to grow our footprint. This role is responsible to develop, execute and maintain retail merchandising and promotional programs and standards that align with a Hispanic retail format and the Company's overall goals. Collaborate with a broad cross-functional team to customize and execute successful programs that complement the Hispanic format. Provide direction and support to retail managers to drive category performance and achieve sales, growth and profitability objectives. Access and monitor store performance, develop and implement new processes, procedures and programs to increase productivity and profitability, and assist in new and re-model store opening, set-up, training and operations.

Here's What You'll Do

• Develop comprehensive category business plans consistent with the Company's overall goals and strategies for assigned categories within the Hispanic format; plans to include tactics in the areas of assortment, pricing, promotion, shelf placement and coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and maintain product standards for format specific items. To include but not limited to recipes, ingredients, cost, retail, profitability, weights & measures, food safety and consistency across retail locations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendor partners to facilitate effective category management to increase sales and profits, lower product costs, and optimize partnerships.
• Ensure the successful and consistent implementation of category business plans and merchandising plans in collaboration with department management; plans include the areas of assortment, pricing, promotion, and shelf placement.
• Participate in the operational execution of retail policies, plans and programs in areas of inventory and asset management, merchandising, facilities maintenance, safety and security.
• Collaborate with internal departments (i.e. Marketing, Merchandising, Promotions, Retail Operations, etc.) to support consistent execution of approved advertising plans and store promotions.
• Review programs prepared by the Category Management team, recommend adjustments to meet local conditions and needs. Work with cross-functional teams on implementing action plans.
• Serve as a local primary source of information for assigned categories; use information to influence the team and to improve the results
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best category management practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Here's What You'll Need

Bachelor's degree in marketing, merchandising, business administration or other related field or equivalent combination of education and / or experience.

7 years' experience in merchandising or management in a retail setting.

Previous experience in category management or store operations preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to create strong cross-functionally partnerships with other departments, customers, and vendors.

Demonstrated knowledge of category products and services, and industry trends.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), Nielsen Category Management tools, and experience with purchasing systems is a plus.

Ability to travel up to 75% to retail locations to include local travel during normal working hours and overnight travel.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be required to lift and / or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit / stand / walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas : computer / server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package. SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans. We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.