Assistant Merchant (Assistant Category Manager)

Clark Associates

Lancaster (Lancaster County)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Dental

PTO

Paid Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Disability

401(k) matching

Bonus Opportunities

Job summary

Clark Associates is seeking an Assistant Merchant to support category management for assigned product segments, ensuring data accuracy, pricing strategies, and vendor coordination. You will assist in reporting and analysis to inform decisions, working with Merchants and Senior Merchants to align catalog objectives across channels.

The role emphasizes operational excellence, data integrity, and collaboration with vendors, with growth under the tutelage of the Sr. Merchandising Manager.

Qualifications

0-2 years of experience in a similar role.
Experience with vendor communication and negotiation.
Proficiency in Excel and data systems (Power BI).
Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Support category management activities within assigned segments
Bring attention to and assist in executing category and vendor gap‑fill initiatives
Maintain and execute on product data, pricing strategies and merchant plans
Assist in program details: track program follow‑through (signatures/uploads), rebate payments/follow-ups, and carrying percentages to ensure accuracy.
Assist with vendor communications and documentation
Compile and analyze basic reports on sales, margins, and inventory
Coordinate item setup, samples, and catalog updates
Monitor assigned categories and highlight risks, underperforming areas or opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Vendor communications

Negotiation

Excel

Power BI

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Independent work

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Merchant supports the performance of an assigned product segment or category by executing operational and analytical tasks that enable successful category management. This role assists merchant vertical leadership in the development and execution of category strategies by maintaining accurate product data, supporting vendor coordination/conversations, and contributing to reporting and analysis that inform decision‑making. Working closely with Merchants and Senior Merchants, the Assistant Merchant helps ensure that vendor programs, pricing strategy updates, and product assortments are executed effectively and aligned with overall catalog and category objectives. This role plays a critical part in maintaining operational excellence by identifying discrepancies, supporting process improvements, and ensuring consistency across systems and channels. The Assistant Merchant contributes to delivering value to customers by supporting initiatives that improve product visibility, pricing accuracy, and overall category performance while building foundational knowledge of merchandising strategy and vendor management under the tutelage of the Sr. Merchandising Manager overseeing the vertical.

Responsibilities

Support category management activities within assigned segments
Bring attention to and assist in executing category and vendor gap‑fill initiatives
Maintain and execute on product data, pricing strategies and merchant plans
Assist in program details: track program follow-through (signatures/uploads), rebate payments/follow-ups, and carrying percentages to ensure accuracy.
Assist with vendor communications and documentation
Compile and analyze basic reports on sales, margins, and inventory
Coordinate item setup, samples, and catalog updates
Monitor assigned categories and highlight risks, underperforming areas or opportunities for improvement.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer.
Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
Requires occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50lbs.

Remote Work Qualifications

Access to a reliable and secure high-speed internet connection. Cable or fiber internet connections (at least 75mbps download/10mbps upload) are preferred, as satellite connections often cannot support the technologies used to perform day-to-day tasks.
Access to a home router and modem.
A dedicated home office space that is noise- and distraction‑free. The space should have strong wireless connection or a wired Ethernet connection (wired connection is preferred, if possible).
A valid, physical address (apartment, suite, etc.). PO Boxes are not supported, as a physical address is required for you to receive your computer equipment.
The desire and ability to work and communicate with other team members via chat, webcam, etc.
Legal residents of one of the following states: (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, or WY). H-1B Visa Sponsorship Not Available, W2 only.

Experience

0-2 years of experience in a similar role or related work such as category manager or buyer

Education

This role does not require a degree. We value relevant skills and experience and alignment with our core values above all else.

Desired Traits & Skills

Strong organizational and communication skills
Shows interest in and proficiency with vendor communication and negotiation
Intermediate knowledge of product materials, features, and attributes
Ability to identify category or data issues and elevate appropriately
Intermediate analytical skills with ability to interpret reports and trends
Proficiency in Excel and data systems (Power BI)
Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and timeliness
Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to take on challenges, showing resilience when facing obstacles. Builds confidence in working independently and contributes to achieving assigned goals.

Company Overview

A rapidly growing, multi‑divisional company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with services supporting all of Clark’s distribution methods in the food service industry.

Benefits