Job Description

This role is onsite 4 days/week (Monday-Thursday) based out of one of the below locations:

• Itasca, IL
• Denver, CO
• Boca Raton, FL

The Category Merchant is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, margin, and market share for the Jan/San category. This role owns end-to-end category performance including assortment, pricing, promotions, vendor strategy, and inventory outcomes. The Category Merchant leads category planning through data-driven insights, market intelligence, and customer understanding, while managing and developing Category Assistants to ensure strong execution. This role serves as both a strategic owner and team leader, ensuring alignment between strategy and execution.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category strategy including assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor strategy to drive sales, margin, and market share
• Own vendor relationships including negotiations, funding, performance management, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Lead and develop Category Assistant(s), providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure execution excellence.
• Drive pricing and promotional strategy including competitive positioning and margin optimization.
• Lead forecasting and inventory strategy including demand planning and inventory productivity. Drive cross-functional execution across Marketing, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, and Sales.
• Own assortment planning and SKU lifecycle management including optimization and rationalization.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Formal Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Area of Study: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, or Merchandising.
• Minimum Years of Experience: 6
• Type of Experience: Experience in merchandising, category management, or retail strategy
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strategic and commercial acumen
  • Strong leadership and team development
  • Advanced analytical and financial skills
  • Vendor negotiation expertise
  • Cross-functional leadership

Commitment to Safety: We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for our Coworkers and our customers. All Coworkers are expected to support our operational safety culture by working safely and addressing potential hazards or concerns.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Coworkers assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Coworkers so classified. Other duties may be assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunities to move and grow within our organization! You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.

Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.

How to Apply: Click the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the "Submit" button.