VP Merchandise & Marketing- Dakotas

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 1.     Partner with corporate and region personnel on the development of customized merchandising, marketing and category strategies for the assigned Area.

 2.     Leadership of merchandising field support within the Area Hub and virtual leadership of market personnel (buyers) based in the DCs. This includes coordination and consistent execution of merchandising initiatives across multiple sites.   

 3.     Provide leadership and oversight with the implementation of day-to-day initiatives within the Area, including product assortment changes, marketing events, pricing changes, etc., aimed at driving Area sales performance and GP3 (purchase allowances selling margin, less deviations).

 4.     Closely monitor Area performance as it pertains to category initiatives, segmentation, sales performance, as well as localized and national market trends. Adjust strategy accordingly based on analysis, driving success and ensuring alignment with core US Foods strategies and local Area needs and strategies.

 5.     Monitor and direct department’s activities to ensure attainment of Area profit and loss (P&L) goals, including oversight on purchase allowances, freight income, cash discounts and inventory changes.  Maximize profitable sales growth through assortment, pricing and marketing activities.

 6.     Manage GTM strategies to drive sales, profit, and net new account growth. 

 7.     Manage prioritization of Area category initiatives, coordinating resources for execution and leading the overall Area-wide implementation.

 8.     Manage relationships with Area-specific vendors and coordinate funding with region and local suppliers.

 9.     Monitor and review Area product assortment across categories, with the aim of reducing duplicate and underperforming SKUs. Review and approve new-to-Area SKUs, as well as exception SKU's and provide feedback to region/RSC on SKU performance and opportunities. Ensure alignment with overall category strategy and drive EB penetration across Area customer base.

 10. Partner with Sr. Pricing Analyst and oversee deviation process; negotiate and/or assist with negotiation of vendor-funded deviations.

 11. Work closely with Sales to plan and facilitate local promotions, customer events and general marketing activities, including managing Area marketing communications and branding activities (aligned with national category strategy). Plan and review Area marketing budget and allocate funds across Area.

 12. Assist in the development, execution, and ongoing maintenance of the Area training schedule.

 13. Manage all remaining purchasing and recovery processes, as well as inventory levels.

 14. Coordinate new customer on-boarding and exit processes.

 15. Manage and coordinate sales-based activities and direction of sales’ solutions and other Area-specific Specialists, such as Chemical and Beverages, Culinary Equipment and Supplies, etc.

 16.   Manage and direct the sales support team.