Category Merchant

Position Summary The Category Merchant is responsible for driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity for assigned categories within the Family Dollar banner. This role owns end-to-end category performance, including assortment strategy, vendor partnerships, pricing, promotions, and supply optimization. The ideal candidate combines strong merchandising instincts with analytical rigor and a deep understanding of value-focused consumers. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Financial Ownership Develop and execute category strategies that deliver sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory turn improvementOwn P&L for assigned categories, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance trackingIdentify white space opportunities and optimize assortment to meet customer demand and price expectations Assortment Planning & Product Selection Build and maintain a productive assortment aligned to Family Dollar’s core customerLeverage data, trends, and customer insights to inform SKU rationalization and new item introductionsEnsure strong opening price points and value perception across all categories Vendor Management & Sourcing Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure cost competitiveness and product qualityLead negotiations on cost, terms, and promotional fundingPartner with global sourcing teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve margins Pricing & Promotions Establish competitive pricing strategies that reinforce Family Dollar’s value propositionPlan and execute promotional calendars to drive traffic and basket sizeAnalyze price elasticity and promotional effectiveness Inventory & Supply Chain Collaboration Partner with planning, allocation, and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and in-stock performanceMonitor key metrics such as turns, fill rates, and shrinkProactively mitigate supply risks and demand fluctuations Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, store operations, and finance teams to align on category initiativesSupport seasonal planning and executionContribute to omnichannel and private label strategies where applicable Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field5–10+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or buying (discount retail experience preferred)Strong financial acumen with experience managing category P&LProven negotiation and vendor management skillsAdvanced analytical skills; proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-makingAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment Preferred Qualifications Experience in value or discount retail environmentsKnowledge of private label developmentFamiliarity with global sourcing and cost modelingExperience with merchandising or planning systems Key Competencies Customer-first mindset with a focus on value and affordabilityStrategic thinking with strong execution capabilitiesData-driven decision-makingNegotiation and influencing skillsAgility and resilience in a fast-paced environment Projected Salary Range: $148,000-$156,000 Family Dollar is an equal opportunity employer and committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Full time 510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320 Buying Family Dollar