Surge Team Retail Merchandiser

P.L. Marketing, Inc.; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

P.L. Marketing, Inc. is seeking a field merchandising professional in Champaign, IL to execute KOMPASS schedules, store resets, and special projects for Kroger Corporate Brands. This role supports merchandising efforts aligned with the Ruler Co. mission and requires frequent travel.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in grocery merchandising, is fluent in English, and can read shelf plans, operate MS Office, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• 3+ years of retail grocery merchandising experience preferred.
• Fluent English (read, write, speak).
• Understand how to read and execute shelf plans.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Read and understand plan-o-grams to execute resets.
• Prepare work area with plan-o-grams and new item tags.
• Re-position shelving and products according to updated schematics.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and reports on progress.
• Report section completion to Ruler and supervisors.
• Coordinate with store and division management on projects.
• Travel overnight frequently for assignments.

Skills

Plan-o-grams understanding

English proficiency

Retail merchandising

Driving (insurable)

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Computer systems familiarity

Job description

Position Summary

To make a positive contribution and measurably impact grocery store sales by ensuring successful execution of KOMPASS schedules, special projects and reset work in designated Ruler stores. Responsible for timely and accurate completion of grocery store section reset work. Support division’s merchandising efforts in a manner consistent with The Ruler Co. Mission and P.L. Marketing.

Essential Job Functions

• Read and understand plan-o-grams
• Collect plan-o-grams, new item tags and new item product and prepare work area in order to complete section reset
• Break down sections in an orderly manner to allow customers to shop other sections in that aisle
• Re-position shelving and place product according to updated schematic
• Clean up work area
• Complete forms and report section completion to Ruler and immediate supervisors
• Facilitate the completion of all reset work and special projects as scheduled
• Help identify opportunities to increase sales of Kroger Corporate Brands with recommendations for new items, improved product placement, pricing/promotional opportunities and resolution for any supply/stocking issues
• Frequently communicate with Ruler store, zone and division management with status updates regarding ongoing special projects and/or grocery store resets
• Have working knowledge and be able to address any issues or questions related to surge-work and special projects
• May provide direction for the resetting of grocery/HBC/GM sections according to a detailed plan
• Provide customer assistance and have a working knowledge of Ruler’s Customer 1st Strategy
• Provide support and be a resource to both P.L. Marketing and Ruler division personnel as needed
• Continue to gain expertise in all facets of the grocery industry, especially in product placement, KOMPASS, surge/temporary, facilities management and supply-chain/stocking
• Professionally and effectively represent P.L. Marketing to members of Ruler Management
• Comply with the guidelines established for KOMPASS employees, especially those regarding timeliness, productivity, teamwork, communication and clocking in/out guidelines
• Must remain qualified as an insurable driver
• Frequent overnight travel required

Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations

Minimum Position Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required
• Be 18 years of age or older
• 3 + years of retail grocery merchandising experience preferred
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision
• Communicate (read, write and speak) fluent English
• Understand how to read and execute shelf plans
• Proficient Microsoft office applications and able to learn various computer systems
• Capability to collaborate with others and contribute effectively to a team
• Excellent communication, organization and problem solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize and multi-task
• Qualify as an insurable driver and maintain an excellent driving record
• A smartphone with internet/data access is required. This position may require installation and utilization of an app on your smartphone to complete the requirements of the position
• Must be able to provide personal tape measure and safety gloves to perform essential job functions

Minimum Physical Abilities

• Must be able to:
• legally operate a motor vehicle unassisted
• remain standing and/or walking unassisted for several hours at a time
• lift, push or pull 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
• continuously reach up and bend down, reach in all directions and have unlimited upper body mobility
• lift and extend 30 lbs. above the head, sometimes repeatedly
• have unlimited manual dexterity
• tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures (0-90 degrees)

Desired Previous Job Experience

• Retail grocery store operations and/or grocery merchandising experience
• Expertise in resetting of grocery/HBC/GM sections according to a detailed plan-o-gram

Competencies/Skills

Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:

• Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
• Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships with Ruler store, zone and division employees and peers from other broker partners to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building Trust – interacting with Ruler store, zone and division personnel in a way that gives Ruler employees confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Coaching – providing timely guidance and feedback to surge/temporary team members to help strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem
• Communication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language
• Customer Focus – making Ruler customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Ruler employees
• Decision Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Inclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business results
• Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
• Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance from all parties involved
• Safety Awareness – identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee and customer safety; upholding safety standards
• Work Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed