Merchandising Manager

ernestpackagingsolutions; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ernest Packaging Solutions in Sacramento, CA is seeking a Merchandising Manager to lead our team of merchandisers, drive cost savings, and develop people and processes. You'll oversee procurement, vendor strategy, and inventory oversight while guiding a strong and capable team in a hands-on, on-site setting.

This role requires procurement expertise and a passion for developing others and improving systems. As part of the leadership, you will coach and mentor, manage vendor relationships,

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing, merchandising, or procurement leadership.
• Proven track record in vendor negotiation, cost savings, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with ERP systems required; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable making data-informed decisions that align with company goals.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of merchandisers, aligning with goals and growth.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Oversee inventory levels and optimize turnover to protect margins.
• Improve purchasing procedures, systems, and reporting (SAP) to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Team Leadership

Vendor Negotiation

Cost Savings

Data-Driven Decisions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Tools

SAP

Job description

Merchandising Manager

Location: Sacramento, CA | Full-Time | On-Site

Pay Range: 85-90k

Lead with Purpose. Build with Integrity. Grow with Ernest.

At Ernest, our merchandising team does more than manage purchasing, they shape the foundation of how we serve our customers. We're searching for a Merchandising Manager to lead our team of buyers (we call them merchandisers because, well, they do a lot more than just purchase).

This on-site leadership role is ideal for someone who brings procurement expertise, a focus on cost savings, and a passion for developing people and processes. You'll be at the center of our supply strategy, helping us deliver smarter solutions to our clients while guiding a strong and capable team. If you're obsessed with vendor strategy, and have a sixth sense for identifying savings opportunities, we want to meet you.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, coach, and support a team of merchandisers (buyers), ensuring alignment with company goals and individual growth.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment through regular meetings, performance reviews, and ongoing support.
• Hire, train, and onboard new merchandisers with a focus on long-term development and cultural fit.

Vendor Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for negotiations and performance management.
• Evaluate vendor opportunities, market shifts, and new product introductions to position Ernest as a strategic and value-driven buyer.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives through improved pricing, favorable terms, and optimized purchasing strategies and coach your team to do the same.
• Stay one step ahead of market shifts, supplier trends, and product innovations so our team always buys smart.
• Train your team on negotiation strategies, cost-saving tactics, and how to think like strategic buyers, not just order placers.

Inventory Oversight & Financial Impact

• Oversee inventory levels, particularly for custom or client-specific items, ensuring alignment with company targets and turnover goals.
• Review inventory and purchasing activity regularly to maintain optimal supply levels and reduce excess.
• Collaborate with the sales, credit, and operations teams to address low gross profit orders and identify opportunities to enhance margins.

Process Management & Systems Optimization

• Use our ERP system (SAP) to track, analyze, and manage all purchasing and inventory functions with accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and implement improvements in purchasing procedures, systems, and reporting to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Stay informed on industry trends, cost changes, supplier developments, and product innovations that may impact the business.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing, merchandising, or procurement leadership.
• Proven track record in vendor negotiation, cost savings, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with ERP systems required; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable making data-informed decisions that align with company goals.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Why Join Ernest?

For over 80 years, Ernest has been built on a culture of connection, respect, and doing right by our people. When you join us, you become part of a team that values your experience, your perspective, and your drive to make a difference. Our employees often say it feels like a second home, and we work hard to keep it that way.

Ernest is a nationwide company, but did you know that our humble roots started in a Los Angeles garage? Brothers Ernie and Charles Wilson founded the company in 1946 with a dedication to customized service. Even after decades of delivering great packaging to our customers, that commitment has never changed. We always find the best solution to fit our customers' needs, even if we have to invent it!