Director, Merchandising

About the role

This role is responsible to direct retail operations, category management, wholesale sales, procurement and promotions for general merchandise, OTC healthcare, and beauty merchandising. Ensure the department merchandising plans, programs, strategic initiatives and campaigns achieve budgeted sales and gross profit objectives. Oversee and ensure the category management across the GM/HBC merchandising department for company-owned retail stores and independent customers meet Company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Direct the GM/HBC and Sales operations, category management, procurement and promotions to achieve budgeted sales and profit targets for retail and wholesale divisions.
• Responsible for P&L management, vendor negotiations and the development of merchandising programs that meet or exceed sales and profit plans.
• Develop department objectives and monitor the budgeted objectives for department sales and profits utilizing fair share trends from global marketing research reports, profitability scorecards and profit and loss statements; ensure the merchandising programs, initiatives and campaigns achieve budgeted sales and gross profit objectives.
• Oversee the post-promotional analysis to measure program effectiveness in order to modify and recommend future execution of marketing plans.
• Develop quantifiable strategies for private brand growth and profitability and work with private label to increase sales.
• Analyze retail and industry trends and competitive factors on a global scale and provide strategies to align with industry trends and department objectives.
• Direct and oversee the GM/HBC retail event shows and monitor the presell activities in the department.
• Develop and foster strong business relationships both internally and externally (i.e., cross-functional business partners, vendors, customers) and develop collaborative efforts for increased market share, customer loyalty and profitability.
• Facilitate department negotiations on long-term contracts or purchase agreements with key suppliers to ensure forecasted return that maximizes sales and profits for the Company.
• Identify opportunities and recommend process improvements to enhance merchandising plans and work cross-functionally (i.e., Distribution, Shelf Technology, IT, Pricing, Accounting, Procurement, etc.) to implement improvements to meet company goals and objectives.
• Responsible for department management including staffing, training, performance management and career development of associates, and developing and monitoring department goals.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (required) in Business Administration or Marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years category management experience to include five years product line experience in a supermarket retail and wholesale environment.
• Five years of experience in a supervisory / management role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and rally the entire organization around the common vision of Best in Class Merchandising programs.
• Superior merchandising and marketing skills and the ability to size up markets and opportunities.
• Strong listening, facilitation and influencing skills required, and ability to effectively manage internal and external business relationships.
• Strong project management, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Must possess strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities and projects with varying deadlines and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 35%.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds.
• The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk.
• While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings.
• Travel requirements vary by assignment.

Benefits

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

Location: 850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315