Category Ops Manager - Support

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE.

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Supports Area Merchandising by addressing and resolving escalated sales questions and requests in a timely manner, utilizing detailed knowledge of U.S. Foods products, systems and tools. Primary liaison between PSSA, RSC and Category Management as it relates to merchandising activities. Works closely with the area departments, particularly category management and replenishment to support efforts with vendors and suppliers to communicate important information.

4 Direct Reports: Product Sales Support Associates (PSSA)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the central escalation point of contact for all internal merchandising inquiries related to product, specifications, availability, and substitutions from PSSA
• Become subject matter expert in US Foods systems and tools to quickly and accurately answer inquiries
• Vacancy support and backup to COM and PSSA roles
• Support Category Operations Managers in the different categories (Produce, Grocery, COP and Non-Foods) with all analytics requests, local flyer item selection and rebate solicitation, Roll Out Book reviews and assortment projects - including E&O follow up, CASIS billings and vendor meeting preparation
• Serve as gatekeeper of NIR process and tracking log - includes approval process, 30/60/90-day tracking follow-up, etc.
• Support PSSA/COM with escalation requests for proprietary SKU tying
• Enter DCT's for COM's on new items & local flyers.
• Analyze weekly ATC communicates and disseminate direction to appropriate parties.
• Develop broker and vendor contacts along with using internal resource pool to independently address and follow up on PSSA escalated inquiries.
• Serve as escalation point of contact for RSC inquires
• Support PSSAs/COMs with sourcing/market baskets/special pricing requests.
• Gatekeeper of all COM related inquires; researching APN lookups, attaching vendors, items and pricing to later approve and send to buyer.
• Other duties assigned by manager.

• Must possess a minimum 5 years of purchasing, merchandising, sales or customer service experience is required, preferably in a foodservice distribution environment.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must be extremely organized, analytical and possess highly developed written/oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be external and internal customer service focused.
• Ability to research, escalate and follow up on inquires with a great sense of urgency.
• Must have the ability to overcome objections and obstacles, with a solution-based attitude
• Education
• College degree or equivalent distribution or food service supply chain experience required.