FD Project Specialist, Merchandise Initiatives

Merchandise Initiatives Project Specialist

Position Summary

The Merchandise Initiatives Project Specialist serves as the central point of contact for managing and prioritizing merchandising workload and communications across multiple business areas. This role ensures that all merchandising initiatives are strategically planned, aligned with budgets, and executed efficiently in stores. The Project Specialist partners closely with cross‑functional teams—including Merchandising, Pricing, Marketing, Operations, and Visual Merchandising—to coordinate timing, resources, and communications that support business priorities and operational excellence.

• Lead monthly cross‑functional meetings to align on merchandising workload, priorities, and timelines.
• Own, manage, and maintain the Merchandise Workflow Calendar, capturing all workload requests, projects, and communications.
• Review and approve workload requests to ensure proper labor support, prioritization, and efficient execution.
• Collaborate with partners to resolve scheduling conflicts and balance competing workload demands.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams so communications are delivered on time.
• Develop off‑shelf merchandising plans and support execution for eight seasonal sales planners.
• Create, edit, review, and release timely merchandising communications (approximately 1,200 annually), including the Weekly Merchandise Bulletin outlining key store priorities and business rationale.
• Identify risks, resource gaps, and process inefficiencies; propose and implement solutions to improve execution.
• Recommend enhancements to communication processes and workload management.
• Provide training and support for corporate partners on communication tools, such as Ops Center and Smartsheet.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of communications and workflow.

• 40+ work hours per week.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Applies job knowledge effectively and demonstrates confidence in making routine decisions.
• Demonstrates a positive outlook toward working in a team environment.
• Effective communicator with strong cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Prioritize projects and seek help when necessary.
• Ability to be proactive and innovative.
• Accurately establishes and maintains information with 100% accuracy.
• Ability to work independently.
• Balances quality and thoroughness with the need for timeliness and speed.
• Ability to be flexible and work outside of normal business hours as business necessity dictates.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in merchandising, planning, project management, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Organizational & Planning Skills
• Communication & Collaboration
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Leadership & Initiative

Full‑time

510 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320

Merchant Services

Family Dollar