Merchandising Manager
Continental · Sterling Heights, MI · 2 wk ago
MarketingFull-time
We need to output HTML fragment with sections: About the role? The description includes "A Taste of Who We Are", "Our Mission", "Our Core Values", "The Experience You’ll Create". But we only include sections when posting has real specific content. The instruction: Use for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). So we need to map content to those headings. We should not repeat job title. We need to include sections only if posting has real specific content for it.
We have content: Description (company overview) could go under "About the role"? Actually "About the role" is typical. Could also be "About the company". But we stick to allowed headings. We'll use "About the role" for the company description and mission/values? Might be okay.
Responsibilities: The "Key Duties" sections list duties. We'll put under
for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). So we need to map content to those headings. We should not repeat job title. We need to include sections only if posting has real specific content for it.
We have content: Description (company overview) could go under "About the role"? Actually "About the role" is typical. Could also be "About the company". But we stick to allowed headings. We'll use "About the role" for the company description and mission/values? Might be okay.
Responsibilities: The "Key Duties" sections list duties. We'll put under Responsibilities
with - each duty.
Requirements/Qualifications/Skills: The "Ingredients For Thriving" includes degree, experience, skills. Could split into Qualifications and Skills. We'll decide: Qualifications: degree, years experience, leadership experience. Skills: analytical, Excel, communication, etc. Also Leadership Profile could be part of Skills or Qualifications. We'll put Qualifications for education and experience; Skills for abilities.
Benefits: There's a "Savor The Benefits" section with list. We'll include Benefits heading.
Pay and Schedule: Not present, so omit.
We must not include boilerplate like Department, Employment Type, Location, Reporting To. Those are minor metadata; we can fold into a short
or drop. Probably drop them.
We must preserve all substantive information; not invent or summarize away detail. Must not omit any substantive info. So we need to include all details from description, mission, values, experience you'll create, key duties (all bullet points), key performance indicators list, ingredients for thriving (degree, experience, etc.), leadership profile, benefits list.
We need to ensure we don't leave any heading with filler text. All sections must have content.
We'll structure:
About the role
... company description, mission, core values, the experience you'll create ...
But we need to keep the prose; we can combine into paragraphs.
We must not repeat job title.
We'll include the mission, core values as part of About the role.
Then Responsibilities: list of duties from Key Duties (multiple sub-sections). We'll combine all duty bullets into a single list? Could break into subheadings but only allowed headings are those specific; we cannot add extra headings. So we will put all duties under Responsibilities as list items.
We need to preserve all duty text exactly as given (maybe slight formatting). We'll copy each sentence.
Key Duties sections have multiple paragraphs; we need to turn each into list items. We'll need to split into logical items. The instruction: Use - for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. So we should convert each duty into a list item. We'll need to parse the text.
Let's extract duties:
From "Key Duties Merchandising Execution & Performance Management Lead execution of approved merchandising programs, assortment changes, seasonal initiatives, promotional activations, and remerchandising projects across assigned vending and micro-market locations.Ensure merchandising standards, planograms, and operational merchandising processes are consistently executed throughout the region.Monitor merchandising performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, product availability, inventory productivity, and customer experience.Evaluate merchandising effectiveness and recommend improvements based on performance trends, field observations, and operational feedback.Support implementation of merchandising pilots, process improvements, and new merchandising initiatives."
We can split each sentence after a period. But there are no periods inside some sentences? Actually there are periods after each sentence. We'll treat each sentence as a duty.
Similarly for Replenishment, Inventory & Route Optimization: sentences.
Planograms, Assortments & Merchandising Standards: sentences.
Merchandising System Administration & Operational Support: sentences.
Cross Functional Partnership & Business Support: sentences.
Team Leadership & Development: sentences.
We'll produce list items for each sentence.
Now Requirements/Qualifications: "Ingredients For Thriving Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Retail Management, Analytics, or a related field (preferred). 5+ years of experience in merchandising, replenishment, inventory management, route operations, retail operations, food service, convenience retail, vending, micro-markets, or a related field. Prior leadership, supervisory, or team leadership experience."
We'll put these as Qualifications list.
Skills: "Strong understanding of merchandising principles, replenishment processes, inventory management, route optimization, and planogram execution.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret performance data and identify actionable opportunities. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments."
Leadership Profile could be considered Skills as well; but we can include under Skills as additional items: "Execution-oriented and results driven, with a focus on accomplishing goals through disciplined follow-through. Possesses strong operational judgment and understands how merchandising decisions impact field execution. Data-informed and analytical, using performance trends and business insights to drive decisions. Collaborative and responsive, building effective partnerships across merchandising, operations, category management, sales, and support teams. Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Effective coach and people-focused leader who develops talent and creates accountability. Committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence."
We'll include those as Skills list items.
Benefits: list from "Savor The Benefits We offer a range of benefits for eligibles team members, including: Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and VisionVoluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Parental Leave401(k) with company matchPaid Time OffWellness ProgramsReferral bonusAdditional Perks To see a summary of current benefits, please visit https://www.continentalserves.com/work-at-continental/#benefits."
We need to extract items: Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and Vision; Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Parental Leave; 401(k) with company match; Paid Time Off; Wellness Programs; Referral bonus; Additional Perks (maybe note link). We'll make list items.
Key Performance Indicators: Should we include? There's no specific heading for KPIs; but we could include under Responsibilities or maybe a separate section? Not in allowed headings list. Could we add a section? The instruction says use
for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). It doesn't forbid other headings, but says "Use for section headings (e.g. ...)" implying those are examples; but later: "IMPORTANT: include a section ONLY when the posting has real, specific content for it — never emit a heading followed by filler/placeholder text". It doesn't restrict to only those headings, but we should follow the examples. Safer to stick to those headings. Where to put KPIs? Could be part of Responsibilities (as performance metrics) or maybe under Skills? Probably include under Responsibilities as a list item: "Key Performance Indicators: Gross Profit Margin Percentage, Stockout Percentage, Sales Performance, Units Per Visit, Spoilage %, Reset Completion Rate, Planogram Compliance %, Route Efficiency, Missed Service %". We'll add as a duty.
Now we need to ensure we don't repeat any content inadvertently.
Let's craft HTML.
We'll start with About the role
...
Paragraph content: combine the description: "A Taste of Who We Are: Backed by a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services, Continental consistently ranks among the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management Magazine, the industry’s source for food service news and trends. Our Mission Delight our guest. Every meal. Every day. Our Core Values Exceptional – We recruit and retain phenomenal people who consistently go the extra mile to deliver results that lead the industry. Hospitality – We are tirelessly committed to providing the highest quality food, beverages, and service by anticipating our guests' needs so they can count on memorable experiences every time. Collaboration – We prioritize working together with a shared vision and effective & transparent communication, we unite as one team to achieve remarkable experiences. Responsibility – we hold ourselves accountable to be there for our team and clients, to deliver what we say we will, when we say we will and check in on progress along the way. Innovation – We are forward-thinkers always looking for new processes, technologies, and techniques to increase efficiencies and scalability to improve our services. The Experience You’ll Create The Merchandising Manager reports to the Director of Merchandising and is responsible for leading the execution of merchandising programs, replenishment strategies, route optimization, planogram compliance, and merchandising support activities across an assigned region of vending and micro-market locations. This role translates merchandising standards and priorities into consistent field execution that improves product availability, sales performance, inventory productivity, and spoilage control. The Merchandising Manager directly leads Merchandising Specialists and works closely with Operations, Category Management, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners to support merchandising performance, maintain service standards, and drive continuous improvement. This position serves as the primary point of accountability for merchandising execution, KPI performance, and team development within the assigned region."
We'll keep as one paragraph.
Now Responsibilities - ... each duty sentence.
Let's list duty sentences:
1. Lead execution of approved merchandising programs, assortment changes, seasonal initiatives, promotional activations, and remerchandising projects across assigned vending and micro-market locations.
2. Ensure merchandising standards, planograms, and operational merchandising processes are consistently executed throughout the region.
3. Monitor merchandising performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, product availability, inventory productivity, and customer experience.
4. Evaluate merchandising effectiveness and recommend improvements based on performance trends, field observations, and operational feedback.
5. Support implementation of merchandising pilots, process improvements, and new merchandising initiatives.
6. Lead replenishment management activities to support appropriate product availability while minimizing spoilage and inventory inefficiencies.
7. Review inventory performance, product velocity, sales trends, stockout risks, and spoilage trends across the assigned region.
8. Oversee route scheduling processes to ensure vending machines and micro-markets receive service at appropriate frequencies.
9. Recommend adjustments to route composition, service schedules, replenishment parameters, and merchandising settings to improve route efficiency, inventory productivity, and service performance.
10. Partner with Operations leadership to address service gaps, inventory issues, and execution challenges impacting merchandising performance.
11. Ensure approved planograms, assortments, merchandising layouts, and space allocation standards are properly implemented and maintained.
12. Oversee execution of merchandising resets, product transitions, assortment updates, seasonal changes, and new business installations.
13. Validate planogram compliance and identify opportunities to improve merchandising presentation, product visibility, and sales performance.
14. Provide feedback to Merchandising leadership regarding assortment performance, merchandising opportunities, and execution challenges.
15. Support continuous improvement of merchandising standards, tools, and execution processes.
16. Ensure merchandising system data, replenishment parameters, service frequencies, asset information, and merchandising attributes are maintained accurately.
17. Monitor merchandising-related operational requests and ensure timely resolution of issues affecting merchandising execution.
18. Partner with Operations, Technology, and Merchandising leadership to address system issues, process gaps, and data integrity concerns.
19. Support
or drop. Probably drop them. We must preserve all substantive information; not invent or summarize away detail. Must not omit any substantive info. So we need to include all details from description, mission, values, experience you'll create, key duties (all bullet points), key performance indicators list, ingredients for thriving (degree, experience, etc.), leadership profile, benefits list. We need to ensure we don't leave any heading with filler text. All sections must have content. We'll structure:
About the role
... company description, mission, core values, the experience you'll create ...
But we need to keep the prose; we can combine into paragraphs. We must not repeat job title. We'll include the mission, core values as part of About the role. Then Responsibilities: list of duties from Key Duties (multiple sub-sections). We'll combine all duty bullets into a single list? Could break into subheadings but only allowed headings are those specific; we cannot add extra headings. So we will put all duties under Responsibilities as list items. We need to preserve all duty text exactly as given (maybe slight formatting). We'll copy each sentence. Key Duties sections have multiple paragraphs; we need to turn each into list items. We'll need to split into logical items. The instruction: Use- for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. So we should convert each duty into a list item. We'll need to parse the text.
Let's extract duties:
From "Key Duties Merchandising Execution & Performance Management Lead execution of approved merchandising programs, assortment changes, seasonal initiatives, promotional activations, and remerchandising projects across assigned vending and micro-market locations.Ensure merchandising standards, planograms, and operational merchandising processes are consistently executed throughout the region.Monitor merchandising performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, product availability, inventory productivity, and customer experience.Evaluate merchandising effectiveness and recommend improvements based on performance trends, field observations, and operational feedback.Support implementation of merchandising pilots, process improvements, and new merchandising initiatives."
We can split each sentence after a period. But there are no periods inside some sentences? Actually there are periods after each sentence. We'll treat each sentence as a duty.
Similarly for Replenishment, Inventory & Route Optimization: sentences.
Planograms, Assortments & Merchandising Standards: sentences.
Merchandising System Administration & Operational Support: sentences.
Cross Functional Partnership & Business Support: sentences.
Team Leadership & Development: sentences.
We'll produce list items for each sentence.
Now Requirements/Qualifications: "Ingredients For Thriving Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Retail Management, Analytics, or a related field (preferred). 5+ years of experience in merchandising, replenishment, inventory management, route operations, retail operations, food service, convenience retail, vending, micro-markets, or a related field. Prior leadership, supervisory, or team leadership experience."
We'll put these as Qualifications list.
Skills: "Strong understanding of merchandising principles, replenishment processes, inventory management, route optimization, and planogram execution.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret performance data and identify actionable opportunities. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments."
Leadership Profile could be considered Skills as well; but we can include under Skills as additional items: "Execution-oriented and results driven, with a focus on accomplishing goals through disciplined follow-through. Possesses strong operational judgment and understands how merchandising decisions impact field execution. Data-informed and analytical, using performance trends and business insights to drive decisions. Collaborative and responsive, building effective partnerships across merchandising, operations, category management, sales, and support teams. Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Effective coach and people-focused leader who develops talent and creates accountability. Committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence."
We'll include those as Skills list items.
Benefits: list from "Savor The Benefits We offer a range of benefits for eligibles team members, including: Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and VisionVoluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Parental Leave401(k) with company matchPaid Time OffWellness ProgramsReferral bonusAdditional Perks To see a summary of current benefits, please visit https://www.continentalserves.com/work-at-continental/#benefits."
We need to extract items: Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and Vision; Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Parental Leave; 401(k) with company match; Paid Time Off; Wellness Programs; Referral bonus; Additional Perks (maybe note link). We'll make list items.
Key Performance Indicators: Should we include? There's no specific heading for KPIs; but we could include under Responsibilities or maybe a separate section? Not in allowed headings list. Could we add a section? The instruction says use
for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule). It doesn't forbid other headings, but says "Use
for section headings (e.g. ...)" implying those are examples; but later: "IMPORTANT: include a section ONLY when the posting has real, specific content for it — never emit a heading followed by filler/placeholder text". It doesn't restrict to only those headings, but we should follow the examples. Safer to stick to those headings. Where to put KPIs? Could be part of Responsibilities (as performance metrics) or maybe under Skills? Probably include under Responsibilities as a list item: "Key Performance Indicators: Gross Profit Margin Percentage, Stockout Percentage, Sales Performance, Units Per Visit, Spoilage %, Reset Completion Rate, Planogram Compliance %, Route Efficiency, Missed Service %". We'll add as a duty. Now we need to ensure we don't repeat any content inadvertently. Let's craft HTML. We'll start with
About the role
...
Paragraph content: combine the description: "A Taste of Who We Are: Backed by a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services, Continental consistently ranks among the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management Magazine, the industry’s source for food service news and trends. Our Mission Delight our guest. Every meal. Every day. Our Core Values Exceptional – We recruit and retain phenomenal people who consistently go the extra mile to deliver results that lead the industry. Hospitality – We are tirelessly committed to providing the highest quality food, beverages, and service by anticipating our guests' needs so they can count on memorable experiences every time. Collaboration – We prioritize working together with a shared vision and effective & transparent communication, we unite as one team to achieve remarkable experiences. Responsibility – we hold ourselves accountable to be there for our team and clients, to deliver what we say we will, when we say we will and check in on progress along the way. Innovation – We are forward-thinkers always looking for new processes, technologies, and techniques to increase efficiencies and scalability to improve our services. The Experience You’ll Create The Merchandising Manager reports to the Director of Merchandising and is responsible for leading the execution of merchandising programs, replenishment strategies, route optimization, planogram compliance, and merchandising support activities across an assigned region of vending and micro-market locations. This role translates merchandising standards and priorities into consistent field execution that improves product availability, sales performance, inventory productivity, and spoilage control. The Merchandising Manager directly leads Merchandising Specialists and works closely with Operations, Category Management, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners to support merchandising performance, maintain service standards, and drive continuous improvement. This position serves as the primary point of accountability for merchandising execution, KPI performance, and team development within the assigned region." We'll keep as one paragraph. Now Responsibilities- ... each duty sentence. Let's list duty sentences: 1. Lead execution of approved merchandising programs, assortment changes, seasonal initiatives, promotional activations, and remerchandising projects across assigned vending and micro-market locations. 2. Ensure merchandising standards, planograms, and operational merchandising processes are consistently executed throughout the region. 3. Monitor merchandising performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, product availability, inventory productivity, and customer experience. 4. Evaluate merchandising effectiveness and recommend improvements based on performance trends, field observations, and operational feedback. 5. Support implementation of merchandising pilots, process improvements, and new merchandising initiatives. 6. Lead replenishment management activities to support appropriate product availability while minimizing spoilage and inventory inefficiencies. 7. Review inventory performance, product velocity, sales trends, stockout risks, and spoilage trends across the assigned region. 8. Oversee route scheduling processes to ensure vending machines and micro-markets receive service at appropriate frequencies. 9. Recommend adjustments to route composition, service schedules, replenishment parameters, and merchandising settings to improve route efficiency, inventory productivity, and service performance. 10. Partner with Operations leadership to address service gaps, inventory issues, and execution challenges impacting merchandising performance. 11. Ensure approved planograms, assortments, merchandising layouts, and space allocation standards are properly implemented and maintained. 12. Oversee execution of merchandising resets, product transitions, assortment updates, seasonal changes, and new business installations. 13. Validate planogram compliance and identify opportunities to improve merchandising presentation, product visibility, and sales performance. 14. Provide feedback to Merchandising leadership regarding assortment performance, merchandising opportunities, and execution challenges. 15. Support continuous improvement of merchandising standards, tools, and execution processes. 16. Ensure merchandising system data, replenishment parameters, service frequencies, asset information, and merchandising attributes are maintained accurately. 17. Monitor merchandising-related operational requests and ensure timely resolution of issues affecting merchandising execution. 18. Partner with Operations, Technology, and Merchandising leadership to address system issues, process gaps, and data integrity concerns. 19. Support