Remote Project Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview:
This position is responsible for complex order placement while acting as a subject matter expect for the department and as a mentor for fresh procurement associates. Fresh buyers collaborate with Merchandisers, Sales, Vendors, and Operations to better service the customer. This is a remote position, and our day-to-day working environment is based on trust and encourages cross functional team communication.
Job Responsibilities:
• Maintain targeted fill rate by identifying and resolving service-level and inventory-related issues through analytical tools.
• Review and analyze daily order placement for critical suppliers through our buying software.
• Utilize knowledge of sales history, market conditions, and seasonal trends to assist in accurate forecasting.
• Utilize reports to ensure item and vendor maintenance is accurate in the buying software.
• Maximize inventory profitability by analyzing:
o Forecast Accuracy
o Overstock inventory
o Aging Inventory
o Forward buy opportunities
o Potential Shrink
• Address and resolve any shipping or receiving-related problems.
• Communicate any inventory-related issues to all affected parties.
• Train and mentor new team members.
• Meet deadlines and completes special projects as assigned.
• Leading team projects as assigned.
• Identify areas of growing inner margin.
• Address and resolve any shipping or receiving-related problems.
• Partner closely with cross functional departments to create efficiencies and drive results.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
Experience:
• Five (5) or more years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Proven experience in import buying, including:

• Full container management
• Air freight coordination
• Import licensing requirements
• Managing FDA holds and regulatory compliance issues

• Strong preference for experience with imported cheese, particularly European cheese
• Ability to work closely with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders throughout the import process
• Direct experience sourcing and purchasing European specialty cheeses
• CCP (Certified Cheese Professional) certification is highly desirable
• Knowledge of basic buying/purchasing principles.
• Experience with Supply Chain/Distribution Industry preferred.
• Experience in Food Industry preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that aid in working within diverse environments.
• Manhattan DFIO, JDA E3 or Blue Ridge Supply Chain Planning" with "Retalix host system and Relex buying system
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and solve problems.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to recognize seasonal trends.
• Ability to make time or information constrained decisions.
• Ability to investigate and resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Flexible, resilient, and comfortable working in grey areas that are constantly changing.
• Strong collaboration skills to partner with a cross-functional team.
• Be able to work in a remote environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong Excel & Word skills.
• Ability to manage and expand workload capacity based on requirements.
• Ability to manage near-term and long-term objectives in parallel.
• Ability to provide training.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
Work Environment:
Remote Role:
• 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.
Physical Environment/Demands:
Office Roles:
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbents may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.
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 .