Vendor Merchandising & Growth Specialist

Rural King; Mattoon (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Healthcare plans

Virtual doctor visits

Centers of Excellence access

15% Associate Discount

SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Hardship Program

Chaplaincy Services

YMCA Membership

Job summary

Rural King is seeking a Vendor Merchandising Program Specialist in Mattoon, IL to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships with cross-functional teams. You will manage vendor data, set up initial orders, and monitor PO performance to ensure on-time delivery and strong sales growth.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing, plus responsibilities in advertising, store planning, and promotions to optimize in-stock performance and

Qualifications

• At least 1-3 years of retail experience or equivalent combination of experience and
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn ERP and other
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication
• Excellent customer service
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to
• Strong communication and persuasive skills to negotiate and influence stakeholders at various levels in the
• Strong understanding of retail business
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address challenges that may arise in
• Ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, adapting schedules, and plans as
• Adaptable in response to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural
• Collaborate with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to support driving sales, managing inventory, and achieving the financial goals of the department.
• Maintain vendor and product information (style, SKU, pricing UPC, ) in internal measurement unit (IMU).
• Set up vendor, items, and initial orders for seasonal and/or basic
• Monitor Purchase Orders (PO’s) for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage and follow up with vendor as
• Maintain order files and execute PO
• Relationships
• Develop strong vendor
• Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional
• Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution
• Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to
• Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store
• Planning/Analysis
• Place, track and insure complete and on-time delivery of all new store
• Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your
• Generate and leverage reports for effective decision
• Optimize "in stock" on basic
• Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and
• Partner with an Inventory planner to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
• Advertising and Promotion
• Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic
• Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 5%
• Collaborate with the E-Commerce Buyer to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies
• Store Planning
• Provide timely direction on new SKU’s and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.

Skills

Retail experience

Communication

Customer service

Task prioritization

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Adaptability

Influencing stakeholders

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP software

Job description

Rural King is seeking a Vendor Merchandising Program Specialist in Mattoon, IL to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships with cross-functional teams. You will manage vendor data, set up initial orders, and monitor PO performance to ensure on-time delivery and strong sales growth.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing, plus responsibilities in advertising, store planning, and promotions to optimize in-stock performance and