**Position Overview** The Associate Category Merchandiser will negotiate and expand gross profit opportunities and sales programs with a designated roster of large vendors within assigned categories. This role is the bridge between Vendors and Regional Merchandising teams and their customers. As a member of the Category Merchandising team, you are responsible for developing growth strategies, optimizing assortment, negotiating national deals, and setting merchandising objectives and related sales programs for Seasonal Candy. The leadership of these categories will be defined by formatting, communicating, assisting in Regional translations, and monitoring execution/ results via Regional Merchandising Teams. Success will be defined by category growth, gross margin expansion, and customer satisfaction. Will work collaboratively with Category Development Managers to understand and actualize emerging category trends and consumer needs and reflect them in strategic category growth plans. Additionally responsible for building seasonal candy books, managing the preparation of the books for printing and online ordering, consolidating order results and communicating to the regions for order processing, and collaborating with buying and regional teams to ensure product moves through the shipping process. **Job Description** + Negotiate Merchandising programs for all Independent Merchandising divisions with all assigned categories/manufacturers + Optimize manufacturer category trade funding through funding knowledge, analytics, tracking, and strategic planning + Generate Merchandising programs that provide competitive vehicles for independent customers through an understanding of regional itemization, trends, demographics, pricing, and manufacturer go-to-market strategies. + Manage the setup and maintenance of items and vendor data integrity (pricing/item accuracy/item changes/item assortment/category marketing info/ deductions) + Problem resolution through interfacing with internal C&S departments as well as retail customers related to IMS-Vendor relations and Prompt- AVS resolutions. + Lead and coordinate with regional merchandising teams for program planning, execution, and financial achievement + Lead the planning and preparation for regional food show manufacturer support and programs + Travel Required: Yes **Environment** + Office: Office Temperature (65F to 75F) **Skills** + Category Management, Sales Finance + Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) + Professional verbal and written communication skills. + Negotiation, organization, prioritization, and problem solving skills **Years Of Experience** + 2-5: Related industry experience (wholesale or retail) **Qualifications** Bachelor's Degree - Business **Shift** **Company** C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC **About Our Company** C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 100,000 different products. C&S also proudly operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC. C&S Wholesale Grocers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. The Company provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Company: C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC Job Area: Merchandising - Keene Job Family: Sales Job Type: Regular Job Code: JC2061 Pay Range: $83,740 - $110,880 ReqID: R-263948