STRUCTURE

• Department: Retail Merchandising
• Supervisor: Director of Field Merchandising
• Status: Exempt / Salaried

SCOPE

The Regional Merchandiser is responsible developing a regional assortment that supports all categories within their specific region. The assortment must support the Brands regional positioning across all categories. The Merchandiser creates the right image to entice customers to buy products and has full control of the field to ensure our merchandising plan is fully executed. The Regional Merchandiser is responsible for increasing sales and maximizing store profits. Oversees the creation of store displays and understands marketing and how to increase interest in products. Works closely with the Category Manager to ensure that products are available on-shelf (planograms), at the right location (store layout) and maintain accurate price book (identify need for location specific price book) records utilizing the POS software system. Analyze pricing for accuracy, analyze inventory for correct cost and management & report suspected problems or information to the Price Book Coordinator and is accountable to achieve all annual and seasonal financial metrics and regional brand objectives including sales and margins.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that the retail strategy is communicated and executed in the field, deal with the day-to-day issues, works closely with managers & RAMs.
• Provide merchandising coverage to achieve superior in-store results for an assigned retail territory.
• Establish a professional relationship with local vendors to ensure products is available in all stores, be informed to any delivery delay, OOS and replacement options, and communicate directly to the field.
• Understand store layout, shippers and displays, works with merch/ category manager to improve assortment, and identify any pricing issues.
• Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment to make recommendations for products to meet the needs of the customer store by store.
• Performs narrowing (SKU rationalization) of categories and works with suppliers to narrow products supplied to the stores.
• Ensuring all signage, pop, graphics is correctly set-up and displayed.
• Be full support for the field, stocking, tagging, putting up pop, training.
• Deliver retail merchandising and sales goals across all channels in assigned territory.
• Meets company expectations regarding retail sales coverage and productivity in assigned territory.
• Assists in retail and sales initiatives (new product introductions, contests, 30-day speed-to-shelf, etc.) as assigned.
• Work closely with management and develop professional relationship to ensure smooth and cooperative involvement in the marketing, promotion and sale of product.
• Execute merchandising events in assigned territory.
• Presents creative direction and key stories at regional meetings; soliciting feedback.
• Manages projections for long lead time products and capacity planning.
• Maintain full distribution and display of products in assigned accounts per plan-o-gram.
• Rotate stock, clean and stock display and price merchandise as appropriate.
• Perform duties such as checking date codes, ensuring adherence to approved plan-o-gram.
• Report observations to Manager regarding outdated product, unbalanced stock, out-of-stock situations and point of purchase requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of experience in merchandising and product creation
• A proven leader with a track record of achieving positive financial results and building best in class teams
• 18 years or older
• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred. Helpful: Certification in Professional Sales
• Creative in character and recognized by field achievements that have shown imagination and talent from prior field strategies and execution
• Valid drivers license with reliable transportation and insurance
• Must speak, read and write English
• Understands retail or grocery store operations
• Experience with perishable products (preferably refrigerated)
• Ability to begin shift early and work flexible work weeks including Saturday and Sunday as a regularly scheduled workdays
• This position requires lifting/loading pushing and pulling cases weighing up to 35 pounds repeatedly throughout an 8-10 hour period as well as bending, squatting and reaching while merchandising product.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with all levels of the work force
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize own work, projects, and the work of others in the department, with minimal supervision