Director of Merchandising
Job Description
Our client in Central Michigan has an immediate opening for a Director of Merchandising on a direct-hire basis.
Company Profile:
Established Grocery Retailer
Team Atmosphere and environment
Passion for serving customers
Strong core values
Director of Merchandising Role:
The Director of Merchandising will lead and energize the category management team, focusing on the development and execution of innovative strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share. This role requires a proactive leader who can align departmental goals with overall business objectives while fostering collaboration across various teams.
Inspire the category management team to achieve sales and profit targets. Establish clear goals and priorities for team members to ensure successful execution of strategies.
Oversee timely execution of category reviews, ensuring decisions align with business objectives and continuously refine processes for optimal results.
Work closely with the Marketing team to develop and implement merchandising strategies that enhance sales and improve customer engagement.
Monitor market trends to innovate product selection and store layouts, positioning our brand as a leader in grocery offerings that align with strategic goals.
Manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial targets are met. Adjust strategies as necessary to respond to changing business conditions.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key vendors. Regularly assess supplier performance to ensure alignment with company objectives.
Lead the formulation of promotional plans, ensuring competitive pricing and effective merchandising to maximize profitability.
Direct teams to ensure store layouts reflect the brand and engage customers effectively.
Analyze needs for new programs and equipment, developing capital budgets to support brand and sales goals.
Manage the introduction and discontinuation of products to optimize profitability and efficiency.
Conduct comprehensive testing of new initiatives before broader rollout, addressing operational concerns proactively.
Partner with Operations to ensure consistency and gather feedback. Collaborate with Marketing on branding and community engagement.
Provide mentorship and leadership to direct reports, fostering a high-performing team environment focused on talent development and strategic alignment.
Champion best practices across category management processes, ensuring they meet industry standards and organizational goals.
Stay informed about industry trends through education and networking, integrating best practices into operations.
Demonstrate behaviors that foster guest loyalty and enhance satisfaction.
Take ownership of meeting performance goals and maintaining high-quality standards.
Communicate clearly and use feedback to drive improvements.
Work collaboratively with team members, celebrating successes and creating a supportive atmosphere.
Maintain operational integrity by proactively addressing challenges and implementing solutions.
Follow company policies and procedures consistently.
Show enthusiasm for products and services by staying informed and sharing knowledge with others.
Director of Merchandising Background Profile:
Bachelors degree in business or a related field; Masters degree is a plus.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in store operations and category management.
Proven leadership and management skills.
Exceptional organizational abilities with a track record of handling multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong presentation skills and confidence in public speaking.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, along with active listening capabilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and email; capable of learning proprietary software.
Experience in planning projects with a long-term focus (12-24 months).
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Features and Benefits:
Medical and Prescription drug coverage
Vision and Dental
PTO
Incentive plan
401k with company matching
Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. The client cannot sponsor any visas.
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Job Requirements
Meet Your Recruiter
Mike Cook
Mike Cook or as he is known in the industry "Grocery Store Mike", is a specialized grocery retail recruiter for Frontline Source Group. With more than 35+ years in the grocery retail industry, Mike started as a part-time courtesy clerk. He worked his way up to serve in-store leadership positions with both traditional and specialty food formats. His expertise lies in hiring, training, and developing company leaders for small supermarkets to large grocery store operations with hundreds of locations. This experience is what differentiates his ability to recruit top Grocery talent from other recruiters in the market place.
Throughout his career, Mike has placed an emphasis on professional development and continuing education. He was in the charter class of Brookshire University, graduating as salutatorian. He also has earned certificates of proficiency in management specialized leadership and retail management from Tyler Junior College. The later certification was in collaboration with the Western Association of Food Chains. And, he has received numerous awards and accolades for customer service and leadership.
Mike has a passion for community service, having served as a board member for the Bear Creek Specialty Utility District (formerly Lavon Water Supply Corporation) from 2007-2013; Community Independent School District board trustee from 2013-2017; and currently serves as Lavon City Councilman, Place 2 since 2017.