Job Summary

Responsible for leading and delivering on a profitable growth strategy, operational plan and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Responsible for managing the direction and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Lead and implement the assortment planning from business performance review to developing suppliers to supplier negotiations. Create operational plans and work with key merchandising and field resources to drive item selection and pricing for a category or categories. Develop suppliers and negotiate terms.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

•Develops strategies and business plans for respective categories, supported by executable initiatives that deliver results in line with short- and long-term goals. Ensures accurate and competitive pricing across the category.

•Executes the business review process. Decides which items to send to product line review; when new products should be included in the assortment mix; leverages supplier relationships to optimize assortment; and works with key support functions to ensure completion.

•Understands key business drivers for a category/categories (e.g. historical performance, industry/competitive landscape, consumer identification, etc.) to support category sales growth.

•Assumes full P&L responsibility with emphasis on sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and EBITDA.

•Makes key decisions on sourcing and developing new suppliers, and negotiating terms. Recommends product pricing guidelines consistent with pricing strategy. Influences assortment guidelines and parameters.

•Manages supplier strategy (e.g. import vs domestic, national vs local, branded vs proprietary, etc.) and executes the supplier portfolio.

•Oversees visual representation of the product lines in all marketing material including catalogs, etc. Collaborates with purchasing and operations on forecasting and supply chain set-up for all merchandising fixtures for current and new programs.

•Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations from governing agencies, including Federal and State Import/Export Regulations. Ensures compliance with internal Environmental Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.

Nature and Scope

• Solutions require analysis and investigation.
• Achieves planned results by decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience. May recommend/make decisions regarding new programs/initiatives that have significant impact to the business and carry consequences in unsuccessful endeavors.
• Manages a larger team or multiple small teams through direction of subordinate management and/or supervisory staff.

Work Environment

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.
• Typically requires overnight travel 5% to 20% of the time.

Education and Experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Generally 7+ years of experience in a related field. May require certification. Advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant work experience in merchandise, forecasting and product selection

• BS/BA in related discipline.

• Wholesale distribution experience preferred.

• Familiarity Federal and State Import/Export Regulations (compliance) preferred.

• Project Management Certification preferred.

Minimum Pay