Job Description

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Market®, Gourmet Garage® and Di Bruno Bros. banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.

About You

Your contribution

As a member of the Retail Operations team, this associate will be responsible for consulting with our ShopRite and Alternate Banner Members, store management and retail staff with regard to the operations and merchandising of our Produce Departments. The Produce Merchandiser will consult with our Members, retail staff and subsidiaries on all innovative/state of the art merchandising strategies and technological advances to ensure long-term growth and profitability. A successful merchandiser analyzes market trends, understands the importance of seasonality and creativity in the craft. This associate will counsel our stores regarding departmental sales, gross profit, labor, shrink, product quality, training and customer service. This is accomplished through the establishment of Member/Store specific business plans which enhance market share, build sales, and ensure profitability in their respective trade areas. This merchandiser will conduct store visits to ensure merchandising standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place in order to deliver consistent execution and financial results by leading and coaching for improvement. This individual shares best practices throughout the cooperative. In addition, this merchandiser will also be charged with the implementation and successful execution of all resets, remodels, new store setups, divisional programs, initiatives, and openings.

What you will do

• Provide knowledge and product information on various produce commodities to Wakefern procurement staff, Members, and Store personnel to enhance merchandising mix and sales opportunities.
• Convey leading edge knowledge of new, innovative concepts to ShopRite Members, Alternate Banner Members, Supervisors, and Store staff.
• Counsel Membership on all regulatory laws and compliance issues.
• Develop store Member Business Plans with sales goals, objectives, and measurables.
• Conduct quarterly Produce Manager/Supervisor meetings to introduce new products, concepts, and innovations plus solicit feedback on how Wakefern can provide better support and service.
• Monitor ad activity and retail pricing in ShopRite market areas.
• Assist in all remodels and new store openings.
• Develop value-added product lines to support the customer trends.
• Conduct and monitor yields of products to ensure proper sales value and gross profit at store level.
• Liaison with procurement staff to solicit vendors and products that are more advantageous to promote.
• Development of promotional P.O.S. materials pamphlets, and brochures
• Provide technical support to the Members to enhance sales, profits, and customer image. (Shrink Clinic, Training, etc.)
• Coach and counsel merchandising staff to focus on supporting corporate and department goals and objectives through written business plans and measurables.
• Work with Human Resources to develop retail training seminars and enhance our overall operation, customer image, and performance.
• In conjunction with Tech, develop user-friendly sales and gross profit reports and merchandising information (ie: QA scores, customer service measurements, demographics, etc.) to support perishables goals and objectives.

What we’re looking for

• Four year college degree strongly preferred. Equivalent retail supermarket experience will be considered in lieu of college degree.
• Minimum 3 years in Produce Department management / supervisory experience in operations and merchandising
• Refined organizational and problem-solving skills; able to develop ideas and procedures
• Strong time management skills; must be able to follow-through on multiple projects and meet aggressive deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to convey information clearly and concisely to various audiences
• Expertise in processes and utilization of reports that drive retail excellence within our Produce Departments
• Ability to train and coach associates at store level in Produce operations and merchandising standards
• Proficiency in taking and reviewing SI inventory
• Knowledge of retail operations related to sales, gross profit, shrink, labor requirements and retail merchandising
• Extensive production equipment knowledge and department design skills
• Proficiency in Microstrategy, Production Planning, ARIA, Nielsen Activate, and Rapid preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Flexibility regarding extensive travel (overnight stays required).
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

How you will succeed

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

How you will work

• Ability to drive long distances and travel for consecutive hours
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 25 lbs or more
• Ability to stay overnight for multiple days, including week long trips and weekends

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

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