Assistant Merchant (Assistant Category Manager)

About the role

The Assistant Merchant supports the performance of an assigned product segment or category by executing operational and analytical tasks that enable successful category management. This role assists merchant vertical leadership in the development and execution of category strategies by maintaining accurate product data, supporting vendor coordination, and contributing to reporting and analysis that inform decision-making. Working closely with Merchants and Senior Merchants, the Assistant Merchant helps ensure that vendor programs, pricing strategy updates, and product assortments are executed effectively and aligned with overall catalog and category objectives. The role plays a critical part in maintaining operational excellence by identifying discrepancies, supporting process improvements, and ensuring consistency across systems and channels. The Assistant Merchant contributes to delivering value to customers by supporting initiatives that improve product visibility, pricing accuracy, and overall category performance while building foundational knowledge of merchandising strategy and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Support category management activities within assigned segments
• Bring attention to and assist in executing category and vendor gap-fill initiatives
• Maintain and execute on product data, pricing strategies, and merchant plans
• Assist in program details: track program follow-through (signatures/uploads), rebate payments/follow-ups, and carrying percentages to ensure accuracy
• Assist with vendor communications and documentation
• Compile and analyze basic reports on sales, margins, and inventory
• Coordinate item setup, samples, and catalog updates
• Monitor assigned categories and highlight risks, underperforming areas, or opportunities for improvement

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing
• Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
• Requires occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching
• Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50lbs

Remote Work Qualifications

• Access to a reliable and secure high-speed internet connection (cable or fiber preferred, at least 75mbps download/10mbps upload)
• Access to a home router and modem
• A dedicated home office space that is noise- and distraction-free with strong wireless connection or a wired Ethernet connection (wired preferred)
• A valid, physical address (no PO Boxes)
• Ability to work and communicate with other team members via chat, webcam, etc.
• Legal residency in one of the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, or WY

H-1B Visa Sponsorship not available; W2 employment only.

Experience

0-2 years of experience in a similar role or related work such as category manager or buyer.

Education

This role does not require a degree. Relevant skills and experience and alignment with core values are prioritized.

Skills

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Interest in and proficiency with vendor communication and negotiation
• Intermediate knowledge of product materials, features, and attributes
• Ability to identify category or data issues and escalate appropriately
• Intermediate analytical skills with ability to interpret reports and trends
• Proficiency in Excel and data systems (Power BI)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and timeliness
• Demonstrates initiative, resilience, and willingness to take on challenges
• Builds confidence in working independently and contributes to achieving assigned goals

About the Company

A rapidly growing, multi-divisional company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with services supporting all distribution methods in the food service industry.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Dependent Care FSA
• 401(k) matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness incentives
• Company discounts
• AT&T & Verizon discounts
• Bonus opportunities
• Accident and critical illness insurance
• Adoption assistance (available at HQ locations only)
• On-site fitness centers (at HQ)
• Dog-friendly offices (at HQ)