Supports the Buckhead | Newport Meat & Seafood companies merchandising departments by driving local category initiatives and maintaining consistent communication across vendors, sales, and merchandising. This role focuses on efficient order fulfillment, code management, inventory oversight, and proactive sales support. PSA will act as a first point of contact for B|N Sales and USBL merchandising questions, while also providing backup support to the Merchandising team and contributing to company goals including: product assortment updates, promotional execution, category transitions, master data management and product standardization.
FULL TIME ONSITE IN HAMPHIRE ILLINOIS
Primary Areas of Responsibility
Vendor & Sales Liaison
Serve as point of contact with key vendors/suppliers
Communicate regularly with Merchandisers, Suppliers, Brokers, and Sales on all vendor-related issues
Direct line of contact for local sales and communicate with and assist Sales on all Merchandising related issues
Support sales team inquiries regarding product availability, pack changes, substitutions, pricing, or other product related questions
Manage broker relationships and support supplier negotiations when needed
Merchandising & Category Support
Drive local category initiatives and support merchandising team with transitions and promotional activities
Actively support the implementation of national and local merchandising strategies
Facilitate category training alongside Merchandisers and act as SME on USBL-related questions
Participate in the execution of earned income programs and local marketing efforts
Code Management & Data Accuracy
SME on MPC and Code/SUPC creation that are aligned with B|N Master Data guidelines
Standardize and maintain accurate item descriptions across B|N Region systems
Assist Merchandisers with code setup and transitions
Operational Oversight
Manage freeze-by reports and 270+ sales/inventory tracking to ensure proactive communication and depletion
Identify aging or slow-moving inventory and coordinate returns or sales strategies with vendors
Serve as a backup to Merchandiser, maintaining familiarity with all vendors and categories under Merchandising
Key Meetings
Regional Merchandising Dept. / Market Calls
Commodity Calls
Broker & Supplier Reviews
Performance Reviews
Role Requirements
Location: On-site at Buckhead - Hampshire IL Travel: 5% or as needed
Skills & Abilities
Strong Excel skills preferred
Ability to manage conflict and communicate clearly across departments
Proactive, solution-oriented approach to identifying and resolving issues
Able to adapt to change and work cross-functionally
Knowledge of merchandising systems and category transitions
Strong organizational and time management skills
Experience with foodservice, retail, or distribution environments preferred
What Success Looks Like
Accurate, timely communication with vendors, brokers, and Sales
Flawless execution of product transitions, promotions, and marketing events
Reduction in product freezes and aging inventory issues
Sales team confidence in Merchandising process and data
Cross-regional alignment on product codes, descriptions, and vendor support
Effective backup support to key Merchandising personnel
