Associate Merchant

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for executing to financial objectives for a product category or categories. Implement the operational plan and work with key merchandising and field resources to drive item selection and pricing for a category or categories. Responsible for item selection within a category or sub-category. Work with respective merchandising resources to implement the appropriate category and supplier strategy.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities

• Utilizes the key components of business drivers (e.g. historical performance, industry / competitive landscape, consumer identification, etc.) to support category sales growth.
• Executes to the financial targets for a category and influences assortment guidelines and parameters. Executes pricing strategy.
• Supports supplier strategy (e.g. import vs. domestic, national vs. local, branded vs. proprietary).
• Supports the business review process. Influences 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.
• Influences supplier strategy and executes the supplier portfolio. Researches new product lines and continuously shops for competitive prices.
• Makes decisions regarding visual representation of categories in all marketing materials.
• Collaborates with purchasing and operations on forecasting and supply chain set-up for all current and new categories.
• 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

Work Environment

Education and Experience