Produce Merchandising Manager

Responsibilities

• Select products based on market trends, performance, supplier reliability, and consumer demand.
• Manage the product life cycle, understanding consumer preferences and competitive dynamics.
• Provide product and pricing recommendations to regional store teams, ensuring an effective balance of volume and margin.
• Continuously assess and select vendors based on quality, reliability, cost competitiveness, and market expertise.
• Negotiate pricing, order quantities, discounts, and terms with suppliers based on demand, promotions, and market conditions.
• Foster strong vendor relationships by addressing issues related to invoicing, product quality, or delivery.
• Develop and implement ordering policies, lead-time strategies, and cost-optimization initiatives.
• Plan and process daily requisitions and purchase orders to meet store demand, expediting orders as required.
• Conduct data analysis to interpret financial performance, track category performance, and identify key business indicators.
• Implement category reviews and performance improvement plans to enhance procurement and sales effectiveness.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business goals.
• Maintain a competitive edge through participation in trade shows, supplier visits, and market research.
• Conduct routine visits to all stores in the East Coast region to ensure proper product placement, manage inventory levels, oversee promotional displays, and maintain store standards.
• Monitor market trends and consumer behavior to identify opportunities for product development and competitive advantage.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.
• 4 to 7 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain management, or retail merchandising is required; entry-level roles may be available for candidates with relevant education or internships.
• Bilingual in English and Mandarin is preferred.
• Familiarity with Asian grocery products, cultural preferences, and market trends is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong negotiation skills for securing optimal contracts and pricing with suppliers.
• Proficient in analyzing sales data and market trends to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory.
• Experienced in building and maintaining vendor relationships to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely execution of purchasing and merchandising strategies.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• This job may require standing or walking for extended periods of time, lifting up to 50 pounds, and performing repetitive motions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with 4% Company Match.
• Long-Term Services Award.
• Employee Discount.
• Paid Time Off.

Compensation

The pay range for this job starts at $65,000 - $75,000 per year. This is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) the responsibilities of the job, your education, skills, qualifications, experience, and location.