Associate Merchant - Sporting Goods

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

2d•$70,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate Merchant, you will support category management by facilitating supplier negotiations, managing purchase orders, and resolving supplier-related issues to ensure seamless item setup for stores and online channels. You will collaborate across teams to enhance customer experience through accurate product content and effective communication programs. Utilizing data analysis and financial insights, you will contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and promotional planning. This role requires strong vendor relationship management and strategic support to drive category performance while maintaining alignment with organizational goals and operational standards. About the team: The Associate Merchant team at Walmart plays a vital role in shaping the future of retail by managing category strategies and supplier relationships. This team combines strategic insight with operational expertise to deliver products that meet customer needs across stores and online. Members leverage data analysis and negotiation skills to drive business performance and enhance the shopping experience. Supported by a collaborative culture and advanced tools, the team focuses on executing plans that align with Walmart’s mission to help customers save money and live better, impacting millions worldwide through thoughtful decision-making and innovation.

Requirements

Proven experience in vendor relationship management and supplier negotiations within a retail or merchandising environment.
Strong proficiency in category strategy development and execution to support business growth and customer satisfaction.
Ability to analyze data effectively to derive actionable insights and support decision-making processes.
Skilled in managing purchase orders, supplier issue resolution, and item setup to ensure operational accuracy.
Experience collaborating cross-functionally to implement promotional features and modular assortment strategies.
Demonstrated capability to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking at the category or subcategory level.
Excellent communication skills to build partnerships and influence stakeholders across multiple teams.
Bachelor’s degree OR 2 years’ experience in merchandising, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Office
Negotiating with third-party suppliers
Pricing, site merchandising, planning or inventory, or related area
Bachelors: Business
Bachelors: Merchandising

Responsibilities

Support merchants in supplier negotiations and manage purchase orders for assigned categories.
Assist in resolving supplier issues and facilitate new supplier setups for stores and online channels.
Own execution of customer communication and education programs in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Ensure accuracy and quality of product page content, adhering to taxonomy and search guidelines.
Analyze category performance data to support budgeting, forecasting, and sales reporting.
Develop and implement approved promotional features and modular assortment strategies.
Collaborate with planners and analysts to align financial plans and inventory purchases.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
401(k)
Stock purchase
Company-paid life insurance
PTO (including sick leave)
Parental leave
Family care leave
Bereavement
Jury duty
Voting
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.