Seasonal Product Merchant

Seasonal Product Merchant

To deliver on the mission of Wilco by profitably providing superior customer service.

Develop and maintain vendor and merchandise programs. Evaluate, select & position brands and items. Shop competitors and manage category regular and special pricing. Plan and direct merchandise category presentation.

Reports to:

Senior Product Merchant

• Develop, negotiate and maintain vendor and merchandise programs (payment terms, inventory position, rebate, pricing, marketing allowances, returns, etc) for all merchandise in assigned categories.
• Evaluate, select and position brands and items for sale in retail farm stores to ensure successful product mix and assortment.
• Plan, lead and direct merchandise presentation in assigned categories.
• Establish, maintain, and update regular and special retail pricing to maximize available margins.
• Participate in marketing planning, select merchandise, price and proof category advertising.
• Lead store Department Managers team through meetings, conference calls and direct visits.
• Lead & coordinate store and customer training in assigned categories.
• Maintain system file maintenance including costs, vendor, and order information through coordination with File Maintenance Specialist.
• Work closely with Store Managers, Replenishment buyers and the DC staff to maintain open, organized, merchandise coordination.
• Communicate category plans and execution strategy to store level.
• Complete scheduled Category Business Reviews on a cyclical basis, and develop comprehensive category business plans.
• Be responsible for achieving sales and gross margin budgets for assigned categories.
• Consult on strategic positioning for new product launches and development of presentations for customers.
• Optimize marketing actions by analyzing/evaluating competitive activities on a regional/market basis; provide recommendations on appropriate activities to achieve increased market share.
• Prepare and submit statistical reports, graphic illustrations of findings, and action plan recommendations to Merchandise and Marketing Manager as well as Senior Management. Shop competitors by phone and in person to ensure competitive prices in assigned departments.
• Attend and effectively work shows and activities supporting assigned categories.
• Participate in regular and special meetings.
• Participate in coordination of buying and ordering in assigned categories.

• Knowledge of computer inventory systems operation and associated software.
• Skill to operate computer, fax, copy machine and other automated office machines.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers and co-workers.
• Strong understanding of farm store operations/merchandising.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, decision making, and leadership skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop tactics and manage execution to ensure deadlines are met.

• High School education required, four year degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Two plus (2+) years of category development, sales analysis experience.
• Require strong quantitative skills including proficiency in syndicated data analysis.
• Candidates must have an in depth knowledge of market research methodologies, models, and tools.
• Four (4+) years of Retail, with at least two (2+) years Retail Shelf Merchandising.
• Strong MS Office skills.
• Working/advanced Activant system knowledge preferred.
• Prior Store Department Layout development experience.
• Two (2+) years of specific category assignment experience.

• Occasional bag/bale lifting.

• This position requires the ability to work on-site at our headquarters in Mt. Angel, Oregon several days per month.
• Candidates must reside within our trade area to support this expectation.
• Remote flexibility may be available on remaining workdays, subject to business needs.
• Occasional travel to retail locations, trade shows, including extended overnight stays.

Wilco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize and encourage the valuable and enriching contributions that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring to our organization. As a values-based cooperative, we believe all individuals should be treated on the basis of merit without prejudice.