Procurement Merchandising Intern

About the role

Clark Associates is seeking a detail‑oriented and collaborative Merchandising Intern to support the continued growth of our product categories. We have full‑time and part‑time internship opportunities based in Lancaster, PA, for candidates within a one‑hour driving radius. Interns gain hands‑on experience across product research, evaluations, launches, vendor engagement, and product content optimization. The role involves identifying new product opportunities, supporting launch activities, enhancing the product shopping experience, and analyzing key performance metrics such as sales, gross profit, and quality. Interns work with a high degree of autonomy, close with department leaders, and benefit from a robust training program that includes campus and warehouse tours, team shadowing, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, roundtable discussions, leadership presentations, networking events, and soft‑skill and hard‑skill development. The internship is available for spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Responsibilities

• Assist with researching new products, comparing options, and completing setup tasks to support timely, accurate product launches.
• Analyze category performance by reviewing key metrics such as sales, gross profit, and product quality trends.
• Work collaboratively with team members to maintain current product information and strengthen overall merchandising strategies.
• Contribute to cross‑functional initiatives that enhance product visibility, elevate the customer experience, and improve operational efficiency.
• Engage with vendors to request product information, samples, and updates that support research, evaluations, and launch readiness.
• Contribute creative ideas to enhance product descriptions, imagery needs, and overall catalog presentation.

Physical Requirements

• Work performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
• Regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50 lb.

Experience

Currently attending school. Applicants may come from diverse majors and work histories; frequently candidates have education in Business Management, Supply Chain, Business Logistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Marketing, or a related field.

Education

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

Desired Traits & Skills

• Ambitious, hardworking, and eager to learn.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Creative and strategic thinker who enjoys solving problems.
• Comfortable balancing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Interest in data and performance metrics, with basic proficiency in Excel.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI is a plus.

Company Overview

A rapidly growing, multi‑divisional company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, providing services that support all of Clark’s distribution methods in the food service industry.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Discounts (available at HQ locations only)
• On‑site fitness centers
• Dog‑friendly offices