Jennifer (Retzlaff) Nowachek
About Jennifer (Retzlaff) Nowachek
Jennifer (Retzlaff) Nowachek serves as the Director of Merchandising National Account Sales at US Foods, where she has worked since 2012. She leads a team that manages margin opportunities for 40 national customers, contributing to significant sales figures.
Work at US Foods
Jennifer Nowachek has served as the Director of Merchandising National Account Sales at US Foods since 2012. In this role, she leads a team that manages margin opportunities across a diverse product mix for 40 national customers, contributing to $1 billion in sales. She oversees both the Product Pricing & Strategy Team and the National Sales Assortment Team, ensuring alignment and effectiveness in sales strategies. Her leadership includes managing six direct reports, focusing on enhancing sales performance through collaboration with customers, suppliers, and field organizations.
Previous Experience at ConAgra Foods
Before joining US Foods, Jennifer Nowachek worked at ConAgra Foods as a National Account Manager from 2010 to 2012. In this position, she was responsible for managing key accounts and developing strategies to drive sales growth. Her experience at ConAgra Foods provided her with insights into national account management, which she has applied in her current role at US Foods.
Background in Consulting at Accenture
Jennifer Nowachek began her career at Accenture, where she worked as a Retail Consultant from 1998 to 2001. This role involved providing strategic consulting services to retail clients, allowing her to develop a strong foundation in retail operations and strategy. Her experience at Accenture contributed to her expertise in sales and merchandising.
Education and Expertise
Jennifer Nowachek holds an MBA in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science and Hospitality Management from the University of Nebraska. Her educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and the food industry, enhancing her effectiveness in her current role.
Key Responsibilities and Negotiation Skills
In her current position, Jennifer Nowachek plays a crucial role in negotiating with suppliers to support bids and drive profitable sales growth. Her responsibilities include influencing support across customer, supplier, and field organization bases, which is essential for enhancing overall sales performance. Her strategic approach to negotiation and team leadership contributes significantly to the success of her department at US Foods.