Ad Coordinator

Job Description

AIM Specialist (Ad Coordinator)

Location: Mid-South Hernando, MS

Department: Center Store Sales

Summary

The AIM (Advertising and Innovative Marketing) Specialist is responsible for increasing Divisional same store sales and profits through the execution of merchandising and marketing programs, printed ads, websites, and promotional events. The end result should be increased ad week sales over previous year. This is a sales, negotiation, and advertising/marketing position with a heavy emphasis on sales & negotiation.

Description of Work

Essential Functions:

• Major: Manages supplemental vendor negotiations including incremental promotional support and ad fees with vendors.
• Major: Assists retailers with needs or requests including writing special ads, mediating issues between retailers and vendors, billing issues, customizations, and additional sales opportunities.
• Major: Oversees the manual processes involved in creating the final ad product and comprehensive promotional planning, preparing the weekly ad, holding retailer feedback ad meetings, etc. The ultimate result should be a complete, accurate, and timely flow of information to both retailers and vendors.
• Major: With the use of iPro ad planning software, produces ads with complimentary items and ad themes to drive sales and promote customer excitement.
• Core: Creates special sales events and manages ad pool funds (budget) to support the overall ad & merchandising program.
• Core: Through key ad items and programs, coordinates with in-house departments to create weekly ads and ongoing promotions.
• Minor: Develops campaigns and promotional material, and assists with creating advertising content. Effectively places promotional content throughout multiple media channels.
• Minor: Uses product endorsements, samples, rebates, coupons, and other promotional tactics to increase awareness and sales.
• Minor: Partners with sales and other marketing personnel to cost-effectively follow through with all phases of promotional campaigns.

Please pay close attention to the desired qualifications prior to resume submittal

Qualifications

Any related or combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge:

• Deal negotiation
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and knowledge of other Microsoft software.
• Promotional planning experience as it pertains to item mix, pricing, frequency, etc.
• Understanding of the retail grocery industry, vendor community and brokerage or sales area(s).
• Advertising and sales trends by category.
• Working knowledge of Aptaris or iPro ad planning tool.

Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills. There are multiple time-sensitive deadlines that must be met each week throughout the week.
• Strong technical aptitude with comfort in software navigation.
• Effective relationship building skills to create and grow professional relationships with vendors and retailers.
• Highly adaptable and able to multitask while meeting multiple deadlines.

Working Environment:

• Standard office/store environment.
• Occasional overnight travel.
• Must be able to work nontraditional hours as needed (before and after normal office hours and weekends).

Experience, Education and Training:

• Minimum of high school diploma.
• College degree or comparable work experience preferred.
• A grocery retail background, with sales and marketing experience beneficial.

Physical Requirements:

• Perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to waist level.
• Must be able to move throughout various buildings, conduct meetings at retail sites, load and unload materials and equipment.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds (copier paper boxes).
• Must be able to sit in a car for long periods of time.
• Must be able to drive both day and at night.

Licensing/Certifications:

N/A

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2023 were $12.4 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus