Brian Rutherford Email & Phone Number

Mechanicsville, Va, Us

Providence, Rhode Island, United States

As a Lead Category Manager at UNFI East Region, I served as the primary client liaison for the Grocery, Frozen, and Dairy categories, managing an annual sales volume of $317M across multiple clients. My role involved leading and participating in key project initiatives, including participating in negotiating a $66.8M national program for ecommerce clients. I also played a vital role in training new associates and was actively involved in UNFI’s belonging and innovation groups.

Providence, Rhode Island, United States

As a Category Manager for UNFI East Region, I oversaw the mayo, salad dressing, condiments, pickles, olives, and vinegar categories, managing an annual sales volume of $157.8M. I participated in project management initiatives, including supporting the sales team for added clients with annual sales of $22M and training new associates. My role also involved organizing team-building activities and employee engagement events, while actively participating in belonging and innovation groups and serving as a Microsoft 365 champion.I managed 10+ additional categories during transitions, including snacks, cereals, and prepared foods. Key responsibilities included developing and executing category business plans, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing product assortments to drive sales and margin. I also collaborated with procurement, warehouse operations, and customer service to ensure seamless operations and compliance with corporate agreements.

Richmond, Virginia, United States

At Performance Foodservice, I managed the procurement of half the dry grocery assortment, reporting directly to the category manager and senior leadership. My responsibilities included overseeing the intercompany transfer process, supporting convenience, candy, and concessions for theaters and sports venues, and handling special and custom product sourcing. I worked closely with suppliers to ensure product availability, negotiated pricing and contracts, and supported various foodservice distribution needs.

Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States

Managed $64.5M in annual sales categories, including salty and alternative snacks. Acted as the Customer Merchandising Representative for clients with annual sales of $716.7M, overseeing $146.1M in annual sales within their product assortment. Led category management efforts, including developing business plans, managing vendor relationships, and coordinating promotional activities. Took on additional project management responsibilities as needed, ensuring successful product launches and optimizing inventory and sales performance.

Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States

Supported the onboarding of a major client with substantial revenue, aligning all categories, including center store and fresh departments. Developed and implemented a forecasting system and reporting process, collaborating with IT, merchandising, procurement, operations, and customer service teams. Managed vendor relationships analyzed data to drive strategic decisions, and optimized procurement processes for enhanced profitability. Created a forecasting methodology for the client to improve demand planning and inventory management. Developed standard operating procedures and training materials, ensuring consistency and efficiency across departmental processes.

Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States

Managed customer service operations for clients with $185.7M in annual sales, overseeing procurement, order management, and more. Played a key role in onboarding a major client with substantial revenue, including managing cross-dock suppliers for specialty cheese and seasonal candy programs. Developed training materials and standard operating procedures for departmental consistency and provided support during staff shortages and inclement weather. Managed the Niagara Bottling DSWI process for region clients. Contributed to operational efficiency and supported key accounts and strategic initiatives through effective management and specialized duties.

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Led sales initiatives in a high-performing floral department, tracking metrics and crafting seasonal merchandising strategies to boost revenue. Managed a custom floral program, delivering tailored solutions to meet customer needs. Provided regional training and support, conducting floral arranging and wreath-making classes, including techniques like deco mesh. Innovatively repurposed post-seasonal merchandise, earning recognition for my "trash to treasure" approach, and showcased designs at prominent events like the Fan District Association’s Holiday House Tour and Fort Gregg-Adams Army Base. Demonstrated excellence in both sales performance and community engagement.

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Drove sales and enhanced the retail experience across needlework & fiber arts, handicrafts, and floral crafts departments. Engaged with customers to make informed merchandising decisions, focusing on sewing, crochet, knitting, and other crafts. Implemented strategic customer interactions and merchandising strategies, contributing to the growth and profitability of these areas.

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Oversaw hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees while ensuring compliance with maintenance and recovery standards. Managed procurement for front-end and office supplies within budget constraints, conducted cash reconciliation and payroll processing, and maintained accurate records for attendance and disciplinary actions. Coordinated local events and seasonal nonprofit activities, such as Wine & Whisker’s and Toys for Tots, enhancing community engagement and store visibility. Executed responsibilities with a focus on adherence to standard operating procedures and confidentiality.

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Managed daily operations of the store’s front end, including employee scheduling, register assignments, and customer service oversight. Strategically merchandised the front end based on impulse sales data and seasonal trends, such as back-to-school supplies and weather-related items. Recognized by CEO Pepe Piperno and regional leadership for exceptional customer service and innovative merchandising strategies that significantly boosted sales and enhanced customer experiences.

Glen Allen, Virginia, United States

Managed a diverse range of craft courses and events at the store level, including cake decorating, painting, paper crafts, floral arranging, knitting, and crochet. Oversaw all aspects from planning and marketing to execution, collaborating with instructors to ensure seamless delivery. Spearheaded community-focused events for K-12 and adults, enhancing customer engagement and driving sales. Coordinated with organizations like the Girl Scouts to offer specialized coursework, strengthening community ties and positioning the store as a creative and educational hub.

Glen Allen, Virginia, United States

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Provided dynamic entertainment services for “Flashback” Fridays and various events, including live performances, fundraisers, and private parties. Ensured flawless operation of audio equipment. Collaborated with event organizers to tailor music and entertainment to client preferences, delivering high-quality experiences and personalized service to enhance the success and enjoyment of diverse events.

Goochland, Virginia, United States