Distribution Specialist - Associated Wholesale Grocers : Job Details

Job DescriptionDistribution SpecialistThis position works as the division liaison between the AWG members, their staff and the warehouse. This position is responsible for load auditing for quality and safety, managing credits, ordering/shipping/delivery issues as reported by AWG members to the warehouse. This position will be the SME and lead in the training of programs such as Storefront, Power BI, APG, RPA and others. Ensures timely processing of store credits and returns while investigating root cause(s). Evaluates, analyzes and researches the consequences of credits claimed on products sold to the members by the Company. Directs the process of credit improvement to established Company credit goals. Travels to independent retailer locations to promote assistance, education and communication while building goodwill with our retailers and improving the AWG/Retailer customer experience.Essential Functions: Provide excellent customer service by supporting retailers via phone, e-mail, internal documents and in person. Develop and implement data analytics to address root causes and develop strategies to remedy credit problems. Analyze and develop initiatives to reduce credits within the top ten store list of each credit category. Auditing loads, both at the warehouse and retail locations. Research credits claimed by retailers for accuracy and loss to the Company. Work with division sales teams to correct issues with order accuracy at the retail level to reduce order entry errors. Assist stores by auditing first truck deliveries and assisting in order review and processing at the store. Assist in the training and onboarding of all programs with AWG. Train and become the SME for programs such as Storefront, APG, Power BI, RPA and others. Resolve Fresh Department quality issues by working with the division procurement teams and warehouse. Be an incremental part of achieving division goals with sales, customer satisfaction and credit performanceImportant Functions: Responsible for ensuring all product is delivered and no left offs remain on the dock at the completion of the selection cycle. Work with routing department to ensure left off product is delivered as soon as possible, and any credits are issued accordingly. Train retailers as necessary on AWG programs including Storefront, RPA, Delivery Tracker, Printing Invoices and Check Off Sheets, Ordering and Credit Reporting systems. Develop relationships with retailers as necessary to ensure they are receiving the attention required and questions are being answered for them to be successful. Research special requests as necessary per Division Management and Members. Work with warehouse management team to identify problem areas in stacking, order filling accuracy, product quality and resolving potential slotting issues. Work with warehouse management team to identify problem areas regarding short-dated product claims and miss-rotated products. Assist division sales departments in disposing of and selling of outdated, damaged and discontinued products per company procedures and established shrink objectives. Work with Division accounting department to identify problem areas relating to credits claimed by retailers. Provide resource information to warehouse management team to identify reported credit issues by warehouse and product type. Conduct store visits in the Division to help answer member/retailer questions and implement resolutions as needed, as well as documentation of visit. Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:Basic Qualifications: 5 Years in customer service experience in retail operations 5 Years of Grocery experience at wholesale or retail Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong computer and analytical skills Successfully operate in a cross functional team environment Work independently and develop/manage own schedule Possess critical thinking and business process analytical skills Must be able to work/travel on variable shifts as required Must have a valid driver's license. Must be able to travel overnight extensively with little or no noticeEducation and Technical Skills: BA Degree in Business, Marketing or Accounting preferred Proficient knowledge of MS Office Licensing/Certifications: Current Food Safety Certification or must obtain within initial 30 days in role.Physical Requirements: Perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to six feet in height. At retail locations, ability to maneuver through store back dock loading area, to include moving through tight spaces.Working Environment: Indoors, with adequate cooling, heating, and adequate lighting. Outdoors as neededAssociated 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