Strategic Category Merchandising Lead

FreshPoint, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FreshPoint, Inc. is seeking a Merchandising Manager to lead a team of category merchandisers and drive revenue and margin growth across product categories. You will help develop and execute category strategies, manage vendor relationships, optimize pricing and logistics, and coordinate marketing and reporting activities.

Key responsibilities include strategy development, supplier analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and training program development to improve sales and profitability.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching experience.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Leads and inspires the team to deliver high-quality category strategies.
• Works to foster teamwork within the department and cultivate a team environment.
• Assists in strategy development and category financial forecasting with Category Merchandisers.
• Provide analytics and reporting on the Top 10 suppliers.
• Make recommendations to management on category improvements.
• Participates in strategic supplier meetings with Category Merchandisers.
• Assists in providing input for marketing, communication, and promotional activities.
• Assists in category management activities and projects.
• Coordinates priorities, timelines, and results reporting with Admin/Project Manager.
• Develops SOPs and training materials for merchandising.
• Manages the supplier rebate table and forecast with accounting.
• Coordinates Merchandising training programs for the organization.
• Transfers knowledge from category management initiatives to the organization.
• Handles Customer Service/sales issues where appropriate.
• Keeps updated on contracts and competitive programs within the supply base.
• Wors cross-functionally with sales, marketing, logistics, IT and accounting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Independent thinking

Versatility

Time management

Education

Undergraduate degree in business

Tools

Excel

Word

Access

PowerPoint

Outlook

MS Project

Job description

FreshPoint, Inc. is seeking a Merchandising Manager to lead a team of category merchandisers and drive revenue and margin growth across product categories. You will help develop and execute category strategies, manage vendor relationships, optimize pricing and logistics, and coordinate marketing and reporting activities.

Key responsibilities include strategy development, supplier analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and training program development to improve sales and profitability.