Merchandising Manager

The incumbent is responsible for obtaining consumer insight and converting into merchandising strategies that will drive sales growth and enhance the buying experience for consumers.

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for obtaining consumer insight and converting into merchandising strategies that will drive sales growth and enhance the buying experience for consumers. The incumbent reports directly to the Purchasing and Merchandising Manager and develops and executes new product launches and merchandising strategies for all Category Management Departments. This job requires a balance of commercial awareness, negotiation, creative, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Under the direction of the Purchasing and Merchandising Manager, the Lead is expected to work cross-functionally to achieve sales & profitability targets and execute merchandising strategies to deliver Company and Vendor goals.

He/She will collaborate with the Category Management Team, Marketing Team, Operations Team, Loss Prevention, Finance teams as well as external vendors / suppliers to launch new and unique products to our portfolio and execute merchandising strategies that drive incremental sales and gross margin across all categories.

Job Responsibilities

• Builds strategic relationships with new and existing suppliers.
• Pitch merchandising proposals for the introduction of new and unique products to the Marketing and Category Management Teams based on consumer insights.
• Works with Marketing and Category Teams to create new product launch plans.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal marketing department to engage in research to obtain consumer insight on latest trends influencing category performance.
• Conceptualize and execute merchandising strategies that balance customers’ expectations and company objectives.
• Execute macro (store layout) and micro (shelf planogram) space planning of new and existing stores to align with customer & business needs.
• Ensure Companys's merchandising guidelines are upheld.
• Work with Category Management and Operations to ensure efficient inventory replenishment.
• Maximize use of Company Software. This will involve troubleshooting, creating linkages with current information systems to allow generation of analytical reports, such as, Space Analysis Reports, Financial Analysis Reports and Sales Analysis Report ranked by return on Cubic Ft.
• Build and maintain an electronic and physical library of planograms by store, for all major categories. Provide guidance and supporting documentation or presentations for excellent execution.
• Ensure the integrity of the SKU data on planograms. Modifications to planograms should be made in a timely manner, following removal of discontinued SKUs, new listings, and temporary adjustments to complement promotional and seasonal activities, and fill out of stock gaps.
• Review planograms quarterly to identify opportunities for improvement of category performance, relative to Sales and Inventory Management.
• Conduct store audits monthly to troubleshoot problems and rate excellence of execution, and then work with internal and external teams to fix identified merchandising gaps.
• Conduct retail visits to monitor competitor activity.
• Accountable for meeting deadlines as per Category, Operations, and Marketing Calendars.
• Work with internal teams to create temporary planograms as the need arises.
• Provide accurate and timely turnaround of all projects, ensuring cross-functional teams are updated on progress and status.
• Assist the Purchasing and Merchandising Manager by identifying the optimal assortment, based on geographic and demographic attributes, and sales potential by store and provide analysis creating optimal store layouts based on store sales per square foot performance.
• Contributes to, participates, and supports continuous improvement and technological advancement efforts. Collaborates with IT on the enhancements, fixes, and testing of tools and processes impacting the planograms.
• Develop, execute, and assess training programs to ensure all stakeholders are continuously trained and assessed in merchandising.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to assist in meeting the Company’s objectives.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or related degree.
• 2-5 years’ experience in purchasing, marketing, category management, market research or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, with Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle in good working condition
• Prior experience using Space Management Software will be an asset.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Extremely detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as exhibit leadership.
• Exceptional written communication skills e.g. Writing emails, creating PowerPoint presentations etc.
• High degree of personal and professional ethics.