Director of Merchandising

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Required

• Bachelor Degree and 4+ years experience of similar category management in a distribution environment, including 2+ years of experience with food service product lines.
• Proven negotiating and project management abilities. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products (specifically Excel, Word, and Power point).
• Strong analytical, organizational skills and the ability to problem solve, multitask, prioritize and work independently
• Excellent communication and time management skills.

• Previous SAP experience and/or Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

• Use data-driven insights, acumen and market knowledge to create and execute Merchandising and Category Management strategies specific Sales Growth, Profitability/Program Improvement and Operational Efficiency, delivering measurable results to the P&L with speed to market.
• Manage DON’s shared assortment strategy with a focus on stock sales growth.
• Serve as category subject matter expert, responding to product and category inquiries from Sales, Sales Support and Customer Service in a timely and prioritized manner.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage supplier programs and relationships.
• Conduct regular business reviews with Strategic Suppliers and senior management.
• Analyze market trends to develop respective merchandising plans.
• Plan and implement marketing activities to support the merchandising plans.
• Proactively interact with Sales Leadership to identify opportunities to increase sales and overall profitability.
• Support DON’s integration with Sysco, collaborating effectively with USBL and Speciality peer groups with appropriate prioritization.
• Manage assigned Merchandising category management and support staff.
• Proactively keep management informed of activities and problems within assigned area of responsibility; refer matters beyond limits of authority to appropriate parties.
• Develop and counsel direct reports on training and job opportunities which will enhance their career development.
• Monitor work productivity and recommend/implement changes to improve work productivity.
• Plan, schedule, and assign workload to direct reports.
• Monitor and approve time off requests, attendance, vacation, sick/personal time, and administer time and attendance policies appropriately.
• Coach, counsel and document direct reports on performance issues and completes annual and semi-annual (where appropriate) performance appraisals for all direct reports in a timely manner.
• Conduct team staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct reports to keep them informed of current problems, changes and new developments in the department and company.
• Coordinate cross training of staff to maximize productivity and provide back-up coverage of all functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned