Remote Merchant Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This position is remote and we are considering candidates east coast only at this time.
Job Overview:
The Manager Account is responsible for providing high-quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for assigned chain or independent account(s). They operate as a team conductor to manage, direct, and coordinate all sales plans and programs.
The Manager Account is responsible for strategic selling, bringing core product expertise, and leveraging specialists when needed. They are responsible for creating partnering relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction, and loyalty and ensuring customer compliance. They collaborate with their teams to achieve the objective of building out the store.
What does it mean to be part of the Sales team?
The Sales team is responsible for providing high quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for their assigned customer(s). Our sales team is crucial in delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. With an ever-expanding selection of 1,000 new products every month, our team helps maximize sales with the right assortment of products based on customers' demographics and lifestyle. We are responsible for creating relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty to help our customers achieve their goals, delivering better together.
Job Responsibilities:
Account Management & Strategic Sales Planning

• Execute sales plans and goals designed to increase sales, profit margin, and minimize expenses.
• Develop joint business plans.
• Identify and manage new sales opportunities and servicing of existing accounts.
• Forecast profit, volume growth, and other related goals as determined. Assist with the preparation of a sales budget for assigned accounts.
• Makes key decisions on addressing and identifying customer needs and concerns for assigned accounts.
• Bridge between Sales and Ops to manage through challenges and resolve for customers.

Deliver Account Results

• Analyze sales reporting and create strategies to drive sales.
• Operates as the account conductor and owns the specialty sales deployment process.
• Develops and maintains a JBP that drives sales and profit margin.
• Responsible for sales and profit margin results for assigned account(s).
• Focuses plans to drive sales and profit margin across products and services.
• Delivers corporate goals to deliver synergy and cross-selling capabilities to customers.

Manage Relationships

• Create and maintain partnerships with vendors, brokers, and other trade partners.
• Meet or exceed client expectations and established deadlines.
• Drives proactively the company's initiatives to ensure the success of the customer.
• Focuses efforts on mutual sales and profit growth.
• Owns one or more key account customers.

Manage Execution

• Conduct regular reviews of sales activities and effectiveness. May develop promotions and incentives to increase sales and improve performance.
• Coordinate with a cross-functional team of resources to ensure account goals are achieved. Works collaboratively with Merchandising, Product Specialists, and Professional Services to identify strategic selling opportunities for account(s).

Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of sales experience preferred.
• 1-3 years supply chain, operational, or DC experience preferred
• Development and execution of business plans, sales plans, and/or commission programs.
• Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions, and related techniques.
• Understanding of margin and company profitability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and company sales systems.
• Understanding and knowledge of products.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Excellent communication, negotiation, preparation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead without reporting authority.
• Ability to interact at all levels of the business.
• Able to manage and coordinate projects.
• Aptitude for financial reporting.
• Able to excel at customer service skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment: Remote Role for East Coast candidates only. 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.
Travel (minor): Travel is required up to (25) % for this position.
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
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), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html 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 .