Experienced Level
- Develops, negotiates and maintains vendor and merchandise programs (payment terms, inventory position, rebate, pricing, marketing allowances, returns, etc) for all merchandise in assigned categories.
- Evaluates, selects and positions brands and items for sale in retail farm stores to ensure successful product mix and assortment.
- Plans, leads and directs merchandise presentation in assigned categories.
- Establishes, maintains, and updates regular and special retail pricing to maximize available margins.
- Participates in marketing planning, selects merchandise, prices and proofs category advertising.
- Leads store Area Specialist team through meetings, conference calls and direct visits.
- Leads & coordinates store and customer training in assigned categories.
- Maintains system file maintenance including costs, vendor, and order information through coordination with File Maintenance Specialist.
- Work closely with Store Managers, Replenishment buyers and the DC staff to maintain open, organized, merchandise coordination.
- Communicates category plans and execution strategy to store level.
- Completes scheduled Category Business Reviews on a cyclical basis, and develops comprehensive category business plans.
- Responsible for achieving sales and gross margin budgets for assigned categories.
- Consults on strategic positioning for new product launches and development of presentations for our customers.
- Optimize marketing actions by analyzing/evaluating competitive activities on regional/market basis; provide recommendations on appropriate activities to achieve increased market share.
- Prepares and submits statistical reports, graphic illustrations of findings, and action plan recommendations to Merchandise and Marketing Manger as well as Senior Management. Shop competitors by phone and in person to insure competitive prices in assigned departments.
- Attend and effectively work shows and activities supporting assigned categories.
- Participate in regular and special meetings.
- Participate in coordination of buying and ordering in assigned categories.
Retail Product Merchant
Develop and maintain vendor and merchandise programs. Evaluate, select & position brands and items. Shop competitors and manage category regular and special pricing. Plan and direct merchandise category presentation.
