📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: VP Merchandising & Marketing
🔹 Company: US Foods
🔹 Location: Tampa, Florida, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Food and Beverage Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-21
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing innovative category and Go to Market strategies
- Overseeing area marketing activities and managing sales support teams
- Collaborating with corporate and region personnel to drive Area sales performance
- Managing vendor relationships and funding with region and local suppliers
- Monitoring and analyzing Area performance to adjust strategies as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive success across multiple sites and within a matrix organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Partner with corporate and region personnel on the development of customized merchandising, marketing, and category strategies for the assigned Area
✅ Lead merchandising field support within the Area Hub based in the DCs and partner with Area Replenishment leadership
✅ Oversee the implementation of day-to-day initiatives within the Area, including product assortment changes, marketing events, pricing changes, etc.
✅ Monitor Area performance and adjust strategies accordingly based on analysis, driving success and ensuring alignment with core US Foods strategies and local Area needs and strategies
✅ Manage GTM strategies to drive sales, profit, and net new account growth
✅ Manage prioritization of Area category initiatives, coordinating resources for execution and leading the overall Area-wide implementation
✅ Manage relationships with Area-specific vendors and coordinate funding with region and local suppliers
✅ Monitor and review Area product assortment across categories, with the aim of reducing duplicate and underperforming SKUs
✅ Manage Area Pricing Manager and oversee deviation process; margin management, negotiate and/or assist with negotiation of vendor-funded deviations
✅ Work closely with Sales to plan and facilitate local promotions, customer events, and general marketing activities, including managing Area marketing communications and branding activities
✅ Assist in the development, execution, and ongoing maintenance of the Area training schedule
✅ Serve as the key point of contact for new customer on-boarding, one-off-bids for existing customers, as well as coordinating requests through Area’s Save-Our-Sales (SOS) program
✅ Manage and coordinate sales-based activities and direction of sales’ solutions and other Area-specific Specialists, such as Chemical and Beverages, Culinary Equipment and Supplies, etc.
✅ Manage and direct the sales support team
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, requiring strong communication and leadership skills to manage multiple teams and initiatives across various sites.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Four-year college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent related field experience required
Experience: Management experience and a minimum of 10 years of category management, marketing, and/or purchasing experience required, preferably from foodservice or food manufacturing industries. Overnight travel may be required.
Required Skills:
- Excellent management, negotiation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Demonstrated history of utilizing skills of influence, persuasion, and effective negotiation to further goals
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization, drive organizational transformations, and support change management within the organization
- Self-directed and highly motivated, with a strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Proven leadership and experience managing direct reports
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience with Microsoft Access
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in category management, marketing, and/or purchasing, with a proven track record of driving sales growth and managing cross-functional teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $110,000 - $180,000 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee discounts on US Foods products
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for virtual leadership and overnight travel as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the foodservice distribution industry. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: US Foods is a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. The company provides a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.
Company Size: US Foods is a large company with approximately 28,000 associates and more than 70 locations, generating over $28 billion in annual revenue.
Founded: US Foods was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Rosemont, IL.
Company Description:
- US Foods is committed to providing exceptional service and quality products to its customers
- The company focuses on continuous improvement and innovation to drive growth and success for both itself and its customers
- US Foods is dedicated to sustainability and responsible business practices, aiming to minimize its environmental impact and support local communities
Company Specialties:
- Food distribution and logistics
- Menu development and cost optimization
- Food safety and quality assurance
- Exclusive brands development
- Imports and specialty foods
Company Website: http://www.usfoods.com
ASSUMPTION: US Foods is a well-established company with a strong focus on customer service, innovation, and sustainability. Its large size and extensive resources allow it to provide comprehensive solutions to its customers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Category Management and has oversight of the Area marketing activities and sales support teams
Work Arrangement: This role requires virtual leadership to manage multiple sites and may involve overnight travel for training, meetings, or other company events
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a regional or national leadership role within the merchandising and marketing function
- Opportunities to expand responsibilities and influence across multiple business units
- Access to professional development and training programs to enhance skills and advance career growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on the company's success and advance their career within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Multi-site, with a primary hub based in the DCs and multiple market DCs within the Area
Office Location(s): Tampa, FL (primary hub), with additional locations in the surrounding Area
Geographic Context:
- The Tampa Bay area has a diverse economy, with a strong presence in industries such as healthcare, finance, and tourism
- The area offers a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers
- Tampa is home to a variety of cultural attractions, sports teams, and outdoor recreation opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with some flexibility for virtual leadership and overnight travel as needed
ASSUMPTION: The multi-site work environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and teams across various locations. The Tampa Bay area offers a diverse and dynamic setting for both work and personal life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the leadership team
- Final interview with the Senior Director of Category Management or another senior leader within the organization
- Background check and reference check for the final candidate
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and management capabilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
- Analytical and quantitative skills
- Industry-specific knowledge and experience
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in category management, marketing, and/or purchasing within the foodservice or food manufacturing industries
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role and the company's mission and values
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
- Research US Foods and the foodservice distribution industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Category Management, Marketing, Purchasing, Leadership, Negotiation, Communication, Analytical Skills, Teamwork, Continuous Improvement, Sales Performance, Vendor Management, Product Assortment, Budget Management, Training Development, Problem Solving, Presentation Skills, Foodservice Distribution, Food Manufacturing
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills, as well as their industry-specific knowledge and experience.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Microsoft Access (preferred)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the listed tools and technologies, with a focus on Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software for managing customer relationships and sales performance.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus: Putting customers at the center of everything we do
- Integrity: Acting with honesty and ethical behavior in all aspects of our work
- Respect: Valuing and appreciating the unique qualities and contributions of each individual
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively across functions, locations, and levels to achieve common goals
- Accountability: Taking personal responsibility for our actions and their outcomes
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Results-driven, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes and driving business growth
- Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives across various sites
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities?
- Are you comfortable working in a matrix organization and collaborating effectively with multiple teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving sales growth and managing cross-functional teams in a similar role?
- Are you passionate about the foodservice industry and committed to helping US Foods' customers succeed?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit for US Foods, with a customer-focused, collaborative, and results-driven work style that aligns with the company's values and mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires virtual leadership and the ability to manage multiple sites effectively
- The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work setting
- The role may require overnight travel for training, meetings, or other company events, which could be disruptive to personal schedules
- The multi-site work environment may present logistical challenges and require strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and teams
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be adaptable and flexible, with strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on virtual leadership and the management of multiple sites within a single Area
- The foodservice distribution industry is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Career paths within US Foods may include advancement to regional or national leadership roles within the merchandising and marketing function, as well as opportunities to expand responsibilities and influence across multiple business units
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique growth opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in the industry, with a focus on virtual leadership and the management of multiple sites within a single Area.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive category and Go to Market strategy for a new product launch within the Area
- Managing a team to optimize the product assortment across multiple categories, reducing duplicate and underperforming SKUs, and driving EB penetration across the Area customer base
- Collaborating with regional and national marketing teams to plan and execute a large-scale customer event, driving sales and brand awareness within the Area
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills required for success in this role, with a focus on driving sales growth and optimizing product assortment across multiple categories.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall merchandising and marketing strategy for US Foods?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the merchandising and marketing function, and how can this role address them?
- How does the company measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used to track progress?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help the candidate understand the strategic context and priorities for this role, as well as the company's approach to employee development and performance measurement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and achievements in category management, marketing, and/or purchasing within the foodservice or food manufacturing industries
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
- Research US Foods and the foodservice distribution industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
