Job Ref175494
LocationProvidence RI 02903
Location FlexibilityRemote
CategoryCommunications
Job TypeFull-time
Job StatusExempt
Anticipated Closing DateApril 10 2026
Pay BasisYearly
Pay Range80000.00 - 149500.00 Annually 38.46 - 71.88 Hourly
Other CompensationBonus Eligible
BrandUNFI
Job OverviewThe Product Business Manager leads category strategy and product lifecycle execution across assigned UNFI Brands categories. This role drives new item innovation oversees item maintenance and data integrity and ensures vendor and item compliance through strong cross‑functional partnerships. Working closely with PDQA Brand Management Buyers Merchandising and Sales Operations the position leads category reviews and CBPs ensures aligned planning accurate forecasting and effective promotional and merchandising strategies. The Product Business Manager also manages MDF spend analyzes performance to inform decision‑making and ensures end‑to‑end process excellence for on‑time successful market execution.
Job Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities· Lead item assortment strategy including new item development lifecycle management and maintenance of existing products.
· Drive new item innovation from concept through commercialization ensuring alignment with category and brand strategies.
· Oversee item maintenance activities ensuring item data integrity and operational readiness.
· Ensure vendor and item compliance by partnering closely with PDQA and maintaining strong vendor relationships.
· Collaborate with Brand Management and PDQA teams to develop refine and execute innovation and growth plans.
· Lead category workshops and support CBP planning including promotional strategy pricing recommendations and POG placement.
· Participates in review of full assortment reviews and gives input into national and local vendor recommendations supports the discontinuedmarkdown planning process for national items.
· Develop and implement merchandising and sales strategies across assigned categories and product lines.
· Create and execute semester plans for assigned categories aligning priorities and execution milestones across teams.
· Lead promotion effectiveness analysis and participate in joint planning to optimize performance and ROI.
· Maintain P&L accountability for MDF spend ensuring alignment with budget guidelines and optimal deal depth.
· Commercial Interface with Cross‑Functional Teamso BuyerProcurement Partnership Collaborate closely with Buyers to support purchase order follow‑up resolve supplier deduction issues and ensure inventory levels meet demand requirements.
o Merchandising Collaboration Partner with the Merchandising team to develop and execute promotional plans secure and manage supplier funding support forecasting needs and act as a primary liaison for supplier communications.
o Sales Operations Alignment Coordinate with Sales Operations to communicate supplier‑related challenges provide updated new‑item status inputs and ensure accurate forecasting and sales planning.
o Brand Management Collaboration
o End‑to‑End Process Ownership Ensure all cross‑functional activities align to established timelines and support accurate on‑time market release in accordance with agreed‑upon milestones.
Product Business Manager II· Lead and contribute to high‑visibility stretch projects that advance category brand or organizational priorities.
· Manage larger more complex category desks demonstrating increased ownership strategic thinking and decision‑making autonomy.
· Mentor and develop associates providing guidance support and coaching to strengthen team capability and build bench strength.
· Take on expanded category responsibility beyond GFD supporting categories such as Grocery Meat or Produce and contributing broader expertise across the business.
· Provides functional guidance mentoring and day to day direction to Category Merchandising Specialists to support execution quality and workflow alignment.
· Leads cross functional workstreams project teams and category initiatives without formal supervisory authority.
· Serves as a subject matter expert for category process data integrity standards and best practices supporting skill development within the team.
· May act as a team lead on assigned projects ensuring milestones timelines and deliverables are met while escalating risks as needed.
Additional Responsibilities· Review and analyze weekly reports audits and performance metrics identify and escalate risks or opportunities as needed.
· Provides direction to Category Merch Specialists in initiatives and day-to-day tasks
Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support department and organizational goals.
Job Requirements
Education Certifications· Bachelors Degree required in Business Marketing Management or related field preferred.
Experience· 5 years of category management merchandising or sourcing experience
KnowledgeSkills Abilities· Strong negotiation skills with experience in category management sourcing private label or CPG.
· Understanding of assortment planning and category management.
· Ability to lead cross functional partners including Commercialization end to end process.
· Project Management skills and strong attention to details.
· Demonstrates ability to think analytically and solve problems through data.
· Ability to influence others negotiate collaborate.
· Strong communication skills written and verbal.
· Past supplier wholesale or retail experience is preferred.
· Excellent spreadsheet skills Excel required.
· Must be capable of understanding retail environment.
· Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
Work Environment
Remote Role· This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.
Travel minor· This position may require the associate to travel to company offices distribution centers or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.
Physical EnvironmentDemands· Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
· Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
· While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit use hands to finger handle or feel reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
· Incumbent may use calculators keyboards telephones and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
· Stooping bending twisting and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race color age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin disability protected veteran status or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - MFVeteranDisability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
CompanyUNFI Wholesale Inc.
Compensation UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate or within the above-referenced pay range for this position. Actual Pay where applicable will depend on a number of factors including but not limited to education experience training and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable stateprovincial and local laws.
Benefits For Washington positions or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington Click HERE for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs Paid Time Off Sick Time paid holidays and parental leave 401K Program or retirement savings plan if in Canada medical dental vision life and accidental deathdismemberment insurance short-term and long-term disability insurance program Flexible Spending Account andor Health Savings Account U.S. only subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Sales Positions Only For sales positions that are commission-based the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associates first year but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of 680 per week. After the introductory period as a 100 commission-based role there is no set salary. UNFIs commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved among other factors.
UNFIs compensation benefits and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Companys sole discretion consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.