Merchant

JOB PURPOSE

The Merchant is responsible for building, communicating and executing merchant strategies that meet or exceed financial goals, in support of the Directors' overall strategy and business imperatives. They will lead, inspire, train, and develop a team of Merchandisers, and Buyers. Achieve revenue and profit growth through competitive intelligence, consumer insights, industry expertise, and business knowledge. Drive key purchasing decisions and business performance of merchandise categories through early planning and strategy implementation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prudently manage the budget for the merchandising division, optimizing purchases to achieve a marked reduction in operating inventory while consistently surpassing performance targets.
• Achieve sales performance and KPIs targets, implementing adaptive strategies to attain year-over-year revenue growth and an amplified EBITDA.
• Strategically manage assigned categories, establishing a well thought out cycle of rationalization, liquidation, and new product selection.
• Cultivate and sustain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with vendors, expertly negotiating terms and agreements that drive down procurement costs while also improving profitability through establishment and enforcement of vendor programs.

• Develop strategic ecommerce sales techniques maximizing conversion of web traffic to revenue.
• Create strategies for everyday pricing, promotional pricing, liquidation pricing to drive incremental revenue growth and margin.

• Collaborate with demand planning to develop process and communication channels to minimize stock outages and maximize growth potential.
• Review and approve replenishment buyer purchase orders ensuring that purchases in excess of forecast are justified.
• Track and achieve inventory levels and turn projections based on forecasted sales.

• Monitor supplier performance to ensure purchasing agreements are met, products are delivered timely and invoiced properly.
• Creatively determine other sales techniques to move stagnant inventory and assess the need of streamlining product line.
• Strategically define and maintain products and hierarchy in online systems and subsequent corresponding systems.

• Champion enrichment data completeness and accuracy through QC and collaboration with DMT.

• Foster a culture of professional development through training, mentorship, and teamwork with both peers and subordinates.
• Works with other managers, directors, and executives within the company through proper channels to engage in capital projects.
• All other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree or comparable experience.
• Minimum of 4 years proven experience in merchandising and purchasing comparable positions.

• Proficient with ERP systems and software such as Microsoft Excel, Bi, and PowerPoint.
• Strong skills in statistics, mathematics, and analytics.

• Self-motivated, strong planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills with all levels of the business and be able to reconcile differences in understanding and vision.
• Be accountable for you, and your employees' work performance and all actions regarding the duties and responsibilities as it relates to your position.
• Maintains a positive attitude, is goal driven and focused on the betterment and overall strategic picture of the organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Hours are somewhat flexible, with employees required to attend both team and individual meetings. Occasionally additional hours may be optional or mandatory to complete essential tasks. All work is performed within an office environment with occasional warehouse exposure. Occasional travel may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Merchants will have to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers. Worker may be required to lift objects weighing from less than 20 lbs. to 40 lbs. on rare occasion. May also be required to walk and stand for long periods during occasional trade show seasons.

DIRECT REPORTS

Merchandiser(s) and Replenishment Buyer(s) as assigned.

Must be at least 18 years old.