Vendor Merchandising Program Specialist - Walnut Creek

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

About us Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How We Reward You

• 401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%
• Healthcare plans to support your needs
• Virtual doctor visits
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
• 15% Associate Discount
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program
• Associate Assistance Program
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services
• Company paid YMCA Family Membership

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do As a Vendor Merchandising Program Specialist you will be collaborating with the Buyer to drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and partnership of the vendor you are assigned with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.

• Work alongside a team of talented professionals who are passionate about their work and strive for excellence every day.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

Essential Qualities for Success

• 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

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended
• Capability to lift 15 pounds
• Ability to navigate and access all
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic
• Close vision for computer-related

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The pay range for this position is $58,000 - $72,740 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs.