The Sr. Merchandising Specialist role supports Merchandising Departments including the Category Strategy Managers (CSM), Vendor Relationship Managers and Associate Vendor Managers, on setting up and managing key operational processes as aligned to category strategies laid out by the Director and CSM. Manages process, tactics and strategies for vendor negotiations and cost management related to promotion activities including Reunion (bi-annual trade show) and advertising materials. Assist with item set-up and maintenance and provides reporting, analysis and data driven insight to assist with line reviews (negotiations) and assortment building. Works to support and coordinate with internal teams and is the main point of contact for multiple processes, including wholesale/retail marketing, customer service item set up, vendor set up, reporting and analytics. Works cross-functionally with all areas.
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Responsibilities (May perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned).
1. Manages supplier relationships as related to promotional activities and cost negotiation.
2. Manages contract creation, approval, administration, and compliance to maximize performance and minimize risk.
3. Develops vendor communication in support of department activities. Executes cross-functional communication of promotional process with marketing, merchants/buyers/category managers, and inventory.
4. Manages issue resolution and process for both vendors and retailers.
5. Partners with Strategic Sourcing and Pricing for all vendor acquisition cost changes.
6. Helps drive continuous improvement of business systems and processes.
7. Maintains execution of new and existing item maintenance (Vendor Managed Database) and ensures accuracy of new product data.
8. Provides tactical support of the line review process through stakeholder management.
9. Updates discontinued and substitute/referral items.
10. Conducts item maintenance for line review process & assortment strategy. Maintains all item maintenance related to Reunions (tradeshows). Inputs new vendor set-up in relevant systems.
11. Analyzes data to identify opportunities to drive business decisions.
12. Sets and meets deadlines per internal and external customer expectations.
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
• 5-7 years of experience, preferably in Merchandising, Retail, or similar industry.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Licenses & Certifications: N/A
Physical Requirements: Hearing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Seeing, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Typing, Visual Acuity, Walking
Work Environment: Generally, works in climate-controlled office environment.
Travel: Travel may vary in length and duration, mainly for Manufacturing and Reunion events.
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