Job description

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is a retailer-owned cooperative serving over 3,000 retail member stores with a complete assortment of grocery, fresh meat, fresh produce, specialty foods, health care, and general merchandise items. Through an extensive distribution network and nine distribution centers, AWG and its subsidiaries deliver in over 28 states. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies which provide real estate and supermarket development services, digital marketing services, and is a wholesale supply provider of health and beauty care, general merchandise, specialty/international foods and pharmaceutical supply. If you have a passion for retail, the drive to succeed in a fast-paced industry, we can't wait for you to join the team! Make us your Best Choice!

SUMMARY: The Specialist position displays a high degree of professionalism in representing AWG as a counselor to our membership in Bakery/Deli merchandising. This position plays a major role in educating the retailer on AWG programs that drive same store sales to attain maximum profitability. The Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing promotions and merchandising programs for long term success. All specialists are cross trained to serve the member store in total store operations but the primary focus for this position is Bakery/Deli merchandising. This position supports AWG's mission to remain firmly committed to our long-established mission statement: "Our mission is to ensure the success of our member retailers and provide opportunities to our employees. This will be accomplished by satisfying the customers', and our member retailers', needs for quality supermarket merchandise and superior support services. We will do this with high quality employees whose mission is to provide the lowest possible cost of goods in order to ensure our members profitability, competiveness and continued growth."

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The individual must have the ability to perform the responsibilities listed below. The list is not all inclusive of duties that may be requested by the department head or a member of upper management but are intended for an understanding of the purpose of the position. It is the responsibility of each individual at AWG to provide ultimate customer service to our members to support their efforts in increasing same store sales and profits.

• Make regular planned store calls to support the growth of profitable sales while serving as a liaison and communicator between the customer and the company.
• Interpret store departmental financial and operating statements and advise members on the strengths and weaknesses within the operation.
• Perform necessary analysis and planning to assure that the Bakery/Deli merchandising goals, objectives and priorities for assigned members are established and met within time limits.
• Assist in the development of Bakery/Deli allocation programs, i.e., plan o grams.
• Work as a member of the AWG sales team so the total job responsibilities are met. Actions must always stress a sense of cooperation, integrity, tact and consideration with our members, associates and division management.
• Perform market analysis of the competitor's Bakery/Deli merchandising strategies with the ability to analyze the impact and provide advice on countering measures.
• This position requires strong communication and computer skills with the ability to use and learn new technology. Management will be kept informed on planning, analysis, work performed and results. All records required by management must be complete, accurate and submitted on time.
• May be responsible for development of the weekly ad while working with members, vendors, department managers and buyers to select weekly ad items based on the needs of the members.
• Make sure that assigned stores utilize warehouse programs.
• Monitor potential sales opportunities, out-buying, inventory control and quality control of our members.
• Must be able to read and comprehend all essential documentation, AWG Programs, Policies, Sanitation, FDA, C.O.O.L. legislation, and other state and federal requirements.
• Establish and monitor a retailer timetable for all store openings and remodels involving the Bakery/Deli department. Coordinate new member transitions in addition to store openings and remodels.
• Coordinate initial and follow up training. May include hands on training within the Bakery/Deli department in the use of essential equipment and techniques.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. A reasonable accommodation will be considered according to the ADA if it would not impose an undue hardship on the operations of the business without significant difficulty or expense. The accommodation would permit a qualified employee the ability to perform all essential functions of the job within the safety and contractual guidelines of the position.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Retail grocery store experience preferred. Degree not required, but equivalent work experience in retail preferred; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience must be in Bakery/Deli.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and speak fluent English and comprehend operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Possess the ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to make presentations effectively before small and large groups.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Possess the ability to read and interpret departmental financial and operating statements. Calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Possesses the ability to reason with members and gain mutual respect with a common goal of increasing sales and profitability.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. These skills are all used in servicing our member retail stores in promotional and merchandising events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. All visual skills are used in merchandising in promotional events and food shows.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions providing a hardship is not required of the company or membership. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during remodeling, promotional activities and open house. This position works in or around freezer, coolers and refrigerated areas. This position works around meat cutting, packing and heavy machinery. This position's basic purpose is to use all available resources to assist the Merchandising Department in continuous growth and financial success.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

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