Center Store Sales Representative, GM/HBC

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, **_"I can't live without them."_**

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 17,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash's **People First** culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

**Location:**

1100 Prosperity Road - Lima, Ohio 45801

**Job Description:**

**Position Summary:**

This role is responsible to work with the Merchandising or Sales Manager to represent the Company's center store merchandising by developing positive and effective working relationships with existing customers and cultivating new business by offering effective solutions, guidance, strategies, retailer programs and tools with economic benefits to both the customer and the Company.

T _his role will primarily travel to customer store locations in an assigned region. Travel by vehicle will typically take place 4 days per week. Travel stipend and reimbursement is provided._

**Here's what you'll do:**

+ Analyze and/or review data analysis from Merchandising or Sales Manager to prepare ideas/recommendations for presentation to customer.

+ Present new ideas to retailer store level management to include informing retailer of special buys, newly introduced products, seasonal trends/deals, etc.

+ Act as the primary liaison between the Company and its customers by developing positive, strong, close and lasting customer relationships that enhance trust in the Company, improve customer loyalty and longevity and ensure quick and effective communication and problem resolution.

+ Ensure a general knowledge and understanding of all Company center store products and programs to effectively sell to new and existing customers.

+ Maintain contact with customers via telephone, email, and frequent site visits.

+ Increase sales by assisting in store resets, speeding up new item introduction, driving purchase concentration, and planning and assisting retailers in special event or seasonal programs.

+ Ensure retailers understand all the value-added services the Company provides.

+ Measure the outcome of business-building initiatives through review and analysis of sales reports for targeted customers (independent retailers) compared to baseline reports; identify opportunities for growth based on such.

+ Provide guidance to customers on operational and merchandising issues and recommend solutions.

+ Manage ordering, pricing and stocking of products based on service agreement with retailers.

+ Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

**Here's what you'll need:**

+ Bachelor's Degree (Required) Business Administration or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Three years combined experience in sales and account management.

+ Experience in a grocery, wholesale, or food industry environment preferred.

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills including a strong ability to present new ideas and persuade individuals and thrive on networking.

+ Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, including evaluating possible outcomes.

+ Strong working knowledge of products and services, and industry trends.

+ Ability to evaluate and understand the actions and needs of others, convey a positive attitude and viewpoint of the future, and to provide emotional support.

+ Proficient with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

+ Ability to travel up to 75%.

**Physical Requirements:**

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our **People First** culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package (https://careers.spartannash.com/why-work-here/benefits/) .

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran, that celebrates diversity and believes employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.

SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. Committed to fostering a **People First** culture, the SpartanNash family of Associates is approximately 17,000 strong. SpartanNash operates two complementary business segments - food wholesale and grocery retail. Its global supply chain network serves wholesale customers that include independent and chain grocers, national retail brands, e-commerce platforms, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. The Company distributes products for every aisle in the grocery store, from fresh produce to household goods to its OwnBrands, which include the Our Family® portfolio of products. On the retail side, SpartanNash operates 144 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to dozens of pharmacies and fuel centers. Leveraging insights and solutions across its segments, SpartanNash offers a full suite of support services for independent grocers. For more information, visit spartannash.com .