Merchandise Manager

Reports to: General Manager

Summary: The Merchandise Manager (MM) oversees product inventory, pricing, presentation, and promotion in all branches. The MM is responsible for creating and implementing the merchandise strategies that meet annual sales, profit, and GMROI budgets.

The Merchandise Manager collaborates with Branch/Department Managers/Buyers for financial budget and merchandise assortment planning, purchasing protocols, visual merchandising, marketing, advertising, and store signing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Analyze and interpret financial and sales data, customer feedback, and industry trends to make informed decisions about product assortment and inventory management.

Maintain/refine existing and develop new BisTrack dashboard POS reporting for managers, buyers, Controller, General Manager and President.

Build/maintain effective relationships with vendors and suppliers to negotiate pricing, secure promotional opportunities, mitigate risks associated with supplier performance and market fluctuations, negotiate incentive rebate and cooperative marketing agreements.

Attend trade markets, meetings with buying groups, and events as needed.

Monitor inventory levels, markdowns, and pricing strategies to optimize profitability and maintain customer satisfaction.

Conduct regular store visits to assess the effectiveness of the merchandising strategy and identify opportunities for improvement.

Meet with Department Managers to review monthly financials, merchandise and vendor issues, pricing, and marketing.

Ensure in-store presentation and product displays are clean, organized, and follow safety and visual standards.

Maintain accurate filing system/records.

Oversee keeping neat, clean, and organized workspaces.

Skills/Qualifications

Lead by example; be approachable by all associates and customers.

Maintain intellectual curiosity; prepare and challenge yourself and the team.

Always seek to put the best interests of the Company ahead of departmental and individual goals.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with clients, sales staff, and internal personnel.

Bachelor’s Degree, MBA preferred.

Minimum 10 years’ retail or sales experience in business, finance, or marketing.

Demonstrated track record of achieving sales, profit, and GMROI metrics.

Fluency and competence with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Proficiency with retail POS enterprise systems and reporting. EPICOR BISTRACK experience an advantage.

Excellent leadership and communication skills. Demonstrates diplomacy and tact.

Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment.

Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment and problem-solving ability.

Industry knowledge of product and materials.

Prior supervisory and management experience.

Ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities appropriately.

Customer Service and dispute resolution.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common sales and inventory statistics, financial reports, and merchandising floor plans.

Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, and adept at managing multiple priorities.

Ability to occasionally lift and move products >= 50 lbs.

Valid MA driver’s license and possess clean driving record.

Must be willing and able to travel as required based on the needs of the business.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the Merchandise Manager role. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change or modification based on the needs of the company.