This role is responsible to manage the wholesale sales and gross profit for their category and area. Establish and maintain relationships with all independent customers that are serviced by the division. Ensure the execution of merchandising and marketing plans necessary to drive sales. Provides staff assistance in the areas of sales of sales calls, procurement and merchandising. 

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Responsible to establish and maintain positive and strong independent retail customers' relationships as assigned by Merchandising Manager; ensure quick and effective communication and issue resolution.  

• Assure assigned stores meet sales, expenses, gross and net profit objectives while monitoring implementation of merchandising programs and operational standards within area of responsibility.  

• Work with independent retailers on action plans to implement as developed by the Company's Category Management and Merchandising teams.  

• Analyze and interpret product sales data to independent customers and assist in developing a sales plan that will address shortfalls, increase sales and maximize profits as needed.  

• Work with Company's Category/Product development Department Managers, industry partners, vendors, brokers, manufacturers, and distributors to bring support to category management programs.  

• Monitor and follow up on operating performance of stores that are assigned with specific regard to sales and profit performance of all existing and new products.  

• Advise Category Management and Procurement teams of any changes an independent customer wants to consider such as adding new items or deleting poor performing items to allow Category/Product Development Managers the ability to provide the most appropriate support to members.  

• Serve as the local primary source of information for assigned categories; use information to influence the team and to improve the results.  

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Bachelor’s degree (required) in Business Administration or other related field or equivalent combination of education and/ or experience. 

• Two years marketing, category management, product management and/or product development experience. 

• Strong verbal and written communication, financial acumen, strategic problem solving, leadership, and analytical skills.  

• Excellent influencing and negotiations skills.  

• Proven experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.  

• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Category Management and purchasing systems such as Biceps Purchasing System is a plus. 

• Experience purchasing in a retail or wholesale environment preferred.