Retail Sales Counselor - Associated Foods Helena (Helena, MT)

WHO ARE WE?

• We are a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting grocery retailers across the Intermountain West for over 85 years.
• Our company prioritizes our team members, their families, and the communities we serve.
• We proudly partner with local organizations to fundraise, donate, and sponsor various charitable activities and events.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, and sick leave for eligible team members. Some benefits have waiting periods (e.g., vacation accrual, 401(k), tuition reimbursement).
• Perks & Discounts: Team member perks and 10% off groceries.
• Flexible Work: Hybrid schedules available for select positions, combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Daily Pay: Access earned wages more frequently.

JOB SUMMARY

The Retail Account Manager is responsible to counsel, advise, and partner with retail store owners and managers on how to best and most profitably operate a retail store. The Retail Account Manager fulfills this function by effectively engaging the various services and programs of Associated Food Stores and the application of the account manager's own experience and judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Retail Account Manager creates and nurtures (or maintains) a positive climate between the Retailers and Associated Food Stores. The relationship should be built upon trust and confidentiality of the Retailer's business.
• Accumulate and organize relevant economic and operating data, which will enable the Retailers, in conjunction with Associated Food Stores, to plan, organize, and develop operational programs.
• Accumulate and assemble internal facts that are relevant to the management of each retail store. Such facts generally include: sales, margins, market share, expenses, customer count, profits, productivity, return on investment, distributions, cash flow, retail pricing, inventory turns, shrink, and security.
• Accumulate and assemble external facts, which are relevant to the management of each retail store, such as changing government regulations, changing technology, competitive situations, and alternative formats. Organize and analyze this data into a usable form.
• Ensure an adequate flow of information between Associated Food Stores and the Retailers.
• Initiate and continue to support and administer short and long-range plans and set goals and objectives for operational improvements. This includes staffing and talent needs through selection and training. Also, assist with identifying the needs of remodeling and expansion of the physical facility.
• Review the progress toward planned goals and identify retail problems with each Retailer. Recommend possible solutions to Retailers and assist them in selecting and implementing the best courses of action. Assist in the follow-through of decisions made by the Retailers.
• Coach and train Retailers and their associates to elevate their personal expertise, technical skill, and job performance. Inform and encourage each Retailer to use the company's support services and programs. Present the features, advantages, and benefits of each service and program. Assist Retailers in utilizing company programs. Notify Retailers of changes to programs. Handle questions, complaints, and problems and report them back to the appropriate department. Regularly provide a documented store critique, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the Retailer from a District Manager's perspective. Develop budgets and plans to make these projections.     
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• A minimum of ten years of work experience in grocery management with experience and knowledge of peripheral department operations is required. 
• Two years of grocery chain experience is a plus.
• ARetail Account Manager has the competencies below:
• Accomplishment and Drive
• Establishes high standards of performance for self and others and works hard to meet them while overcoming obstacles. Strives to improve one's performance and that of the Retailers by demonstrating commitment to the organization as well as willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of the organization.
• Self-motivated, aggressive, mature, responsible, and able to say "no". Ambitious, hardworking, and will do what needs to be done. Assists in projects outside own geographic territory. Competitive, persistent, proactive in self-development opportunities. Positive and open to learning and feedback.
• Initiative and Urgency
• Willingness to take immediate and independent action; persist in efforts despite obstacles and frustrations; has a sense of urgency in meeting challenges; willing to work long and hard on matters concerning the Retailers and Associated Food Stores.
• Has a personal commitment to help the Retailers. Has a willingness to become involved and not take no for an answer; shows tenacity. Capable of handling the balance between firefighting and researching new ideas
• Financial and Quantitative Skills
• Applies computational and financial techniques required for in-store operations. Demonstrates speed and accuracy using numerical information. Recognizes computational errors in the application of these techniques.
• Able to set profit structures and arrange budgets to achieve profits. Make store and department audits. Review purchasing reports, P&Ls, inventories, and pricing for retailers to ensure store profitability and maximize Associated Food Stores' purchases. Understand and know how to apply retail grocery P & L statements and projections in the areas of labor, gross, and sales vs. purchases.
• Planning and Organizing
• Help the Retailers efficiently organize their work and maintain effective records of production and other relevant data; make total store projections; develop strategies to meet goals; allocate resources to help the Retailers effectively meet their objectives
• Organized with good follow-through. Coordinates warehouse functions with the Retailers. Plans store openings and improvements. Coordinates programs, promotions, and training between Associated Food Stores and the Retailers. Increases the application and level of technology.
• Human Relations Skills
• Showing consideration for the needs and feelings of others by being receptive to their concerns and problems. Treating everyone fairly and consistently, developing and maintaining positive working relationships, as well as dealing and mediating constructively with conflict. Demonstrates a high degree of sensitivity with confidential information.
• Establishes strong rapport and earns the respect of the Retailers. Conveys a positive attitude, showing sensitivity, honesty, and good listening skills. Establishes strong rapport and earns the respect of warehouse departments.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS 

Work is performed in an office, retail store, and travel environment. Personal vehicle required for travel. Prolonged sitting, walking, standing, and driving are required in this position.

Associated Food Stores is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.