Your ImpactThe Merchandising Initiatives Manager represents the Merchandising Divisions across the total company as an merchandising initiative expert responsible for a key segments of divisional
categories. This role manages large scale and small scale programs to drive engagement with the customer, builds out tactical growth program elements and timelines and then leverages
cross functional partners, vendor partners, store operators, Pro Services and other key partners to execute on those plans.
Additional activities including the development, organization and implementation of merchandising processes, sales and service tactics, identifying potential market opportunities, developing new relationships with key stakeholders and monitoring customer and competitor activity and industry trends. Solid foundation of the Division's category business, the customer segments, internal key stakeholders and how to get work done through others, as well as understanding basic financial metrics will be important in this role.
Activities include managing initiatives across specific categories, developing plans to deliver on 3-year growth goals, developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal partners;
preparing sales and marketing plans and monitoring their sales performance. Working with key stakeholders and suppliers on the execution on the initiatives.
What You Will Do- Manages cross-functional teams across the enterprise, merchandising, training, process management, data analytics, marketing, supply chain, operations and Learning & Development to create process documentation, growth plans and program tactics then executes.
- Drives execution of sales strategies to maximize store buy-in and ensure sales targets are met.
- Maintains a complete understanding of the Divisional/category business and the competitive landscape.
- Leads and influences cross-functionally to drive improvements to existing programs; influences new programs and initiatives in concert with the Divisional Merchandising Manager/MVP or Senior Manager including integration program elements, product delivery model and fulfillment program elements and marketing campaigns.
- Manages reporting and analytical insights to make recommendations on what's working and what's not across the Division/category business and factors into recommendations and pivots within the business to ensure KPIs are being met.
- Communicates with key suppliers while helping build out the initiative strategy; at times, may require direct customer engagement in concert with the Divisional Merchandising Manager/MVP or Sr. Manager.
- Effectively communicates with merchant leaders, key support partners, store operations and merchant teams to drive collaboration and support for the initiative.
- Serves as the ambassador for Merchandising Division(s) to the entire enterprise.
- Supports a feedback loop through which store leadership communicates to the corporate office to ensure alignment on initiatives and strategies.
- Interprets data analysis and feedback to drive program improvements, innovation and change.
- Manages for regularly monitoring program performance, to identify trends and propose actions to address (negative or positive).
- Manages and maintains close relationships with the Divisional merchandising team and key vendors as well as manages assigned vendors to ensure alignment and execution across the division.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Marketing, Project Management or related Field or equivalent experience
- 5 Years experience in retail, vendor management or merchandising
Preferred Skills/Education- 1 Year experience managing projects or initiatives
- Lean Six Sigma Certification - IASSC
