Dollar Tree

Category Merchant

Dollar Tree$148K — $156K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field
  • 5-10+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or buying, preferably in discount retail
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing category P&L
  • Proven negotiation and vendor management skills
  • Advanced analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-making
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute category strategies for sales growth and margin expansion
  • Own P&L for assigned categories, including forecasting and budgeting
  • Identify optimization opportunities in assortment to meet customer demand
  • Build and maintain a productive assortment aligned to customer needs
  • Leverage data for SKU rationalization and new item introductions
  • Develop strategic supplier relationships for cost competitiveness
  • Establish competitive pricing strategies and execute promotional calendars
  • Partner with supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels

Benefits

  • Opportunity to impact a significant portion of product categories
  • Engage in strategic decision-making impacting customer satisfaction
  • Collaborative work environment across multiple departments
  • Exposure to global sourcing and vendor management
  • Possibility to lead initiatives in private label development
Full Job Description
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 improvement
  • Own P&L for assigned categories, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking
  • Identify 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 customer
  • Leverage data, trends, and customer insights to inform SKU rationalization and new item introductions
  • Ensure 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 quality
  • Lead negotiations on cost, terms, and promotional funding
  • Partner with global sourcing teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve margins


Pricing & Promotions
  • Establish competitive pricing strategies that reinforce Family Dollar's value proposition
  • Plan and execute promotional calendars to drive traffic and basket size
  • Analyze price elasticity and promotional effectiveness


Inventory & Supply Chain Collaboration
  • Partner with planning, allocation, and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and in-stock performance
  • Monitor key metrics such as turns, fill rates, and shrink
  • Proactively mitigate supply risks and demand fluctuations


Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with marketing, store operations, and finance teams to align on category initiatives
  • Support seasonal planning and execution
  • Contribute to omnichannel and private label strategies where applicable


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field
  • 5-10+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or buying (discount retail experience preferred)
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing category P&L
  • Proven negotiation and vendor management skills
  • Advanced analytical skills; proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-making
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in value or discount retail environments
  • Knowledge of private label development
  • Familiarity with global sourcing and cost modeling
  • Experience with merchandising or planning systems


Key Competencies
  • Customer-first mindset with a focus on value and affordability
  • Strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Negotiation and influencing skills
  • Agility and resilience in a fast-paced environment


Projected Salary Range: $148,000-$156,000

Full time

510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320

Buying

Family Dollar

About Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is a chain of discount stores that carries a variety of merchandise including housewares, glassware, dinnerware, cleaning supplies, candy, snacks, food, health and beauty, toys, gifts, gift bags and wrap, party supplies, stationery, craft supplies, teaching supplies, books, seasonal décor, and more for $1 or less.

Dollar Tree Careers

Joining Dollar Tree's vibrant team offers more than just a job; it opens the door to a wealth of job opportunities and a promising career path in the retail industry. As a crucial player in cost-effective retailing, Dollar Tree provides a dynamic platform for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Dollar Tree, every position is a chance to experience growth through innovation and leadership. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that redefine the norm and foster significant advancements in the retail sector. With a culture rooted in collaboration and diversity, we offer a workplace where ideas flourish and inclusivity is the norm.

Explore Professional Development

Dollar Tree is committed to the professional growth of its employees through robust training programs and leadership development opportunities. Our focus on internal promotion and career advancement ensures that every team member has the tools they need to succeed and climb the career ladder within the company.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Dollar Tree is a leader in developing cost-effective solutions that don’t just follow market trends but set them. Here, your skills in networking, creativity, and strategic thinking will be honed to perfection.

Be Part of a Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Dollar Tree; they are integral to our company culture. We believe in empowering our employees by respecting and valuing what makes them unique. This commitment is reflected in our diversity training programs, which are designed to foster an inclusive environment that promotes career longevity and satisfaction.

Internship Opportunities

For those new to the workforce, Dollar Tree’s internship programs offer a gateway to full-time employment and a firsthand look at the retail industry's fast-paced nature. Interns at Dollar Tree gain invaluable experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that impact our business on a global scale.

Benefits That Support Your Life and Growth

Choosing a career at Dollar Tree means access to competitive benefits designed to support you both professionally and personally. From health and wellness plans to educational assistance, we ensure our team members receive the support they need to achieve their best at work and beyond.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the available positions at Dollar Tree where your skills and passion can lead to exceptional opportunities. Whether you’re applying for your first job or seeking a leadership role, your journey towards a fulfilling career starts here.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Dollar Tree by following our careers blog. Gain insights from our team, learn about our innovative practices, and stay informed about upcoming job opportunities and company news.

Apply Now

Ready to make a difference? Submit your resume, complete your profile, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique abilities and learn more about the exciting career paths at Dollar Tree.

SEARCH DOLLAR TREE JOBS

Join us at Dollar Tree, where opportunities to thrive are endless, and every employee plays a critical role in our success. Let’s grow together in a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and professional growth.
Learn more about Dollar Tree
Size
61,886 employees
Market Cap
$31 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$25.5 billion
NASDAQ

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