Director of Merchandising

Sysco•Woodridge, IL

8d•$143,300

About The Position

Use data-driven insights, acumen and market knowledge to create and execute Merchandising and Category Management strategies specific Sales Growth, Profitability/Program Improvement and Operational Efficiency, delivering measurable results to the P&L with speed to market. Manage DON’s shared assortment strategy with a focus on stock sales growth. Serve as category subject matter expert, responding to product and category inquiries from Sales, Sales Support and Customer Service in a timely and prioritized manner. Develop, negotiate, and manage supplier programs and relationships. Conduct regular business reviews with Strategic Suppliers and senior management. Analyze market trends to develop respective merchandising plans. Plan and implement marketing activities to support the merchandising plans. Proactively interact with Sales Leadership to identify opportunities to increase sales and overall profitability. Support DON’s integration with Sysco, collaborating effectively with USBL and Speciality peer groups with appropriate prioritization. Manage assigned Merchandising category management and support staff. Proatively keep management informed of activities and problems within assigned area of responsibility; refer matters beyond limits of authority to appropriate parties. Develop and counsel direct reports on training and job opportunities which will enhance their career development. Monitor work productivity and recommend/implement changes to improve work productivity. Plan, schedule, and assign workload to direct reports. Monitor and approve time off requests, attendance, vacation, sick/personal time, and administers time and attendance policies appropriately. Coach, counsel and document direct reports on performance issues and completes annual and semi-annual (where appropriate) performance appraisals for all direct reports in a timely manner. Conduct team staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct reports to keep them informed of current problems, changes and new developments in the department and company. Coordinate cross training of staff to maximize productivity and provide back-up coverage of all functions. Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor Degree and 4+ years experience of similar category management in a distribution environment, including 2+ years of experience with foodservice product lines.
Proven negotiating and project management abilities.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products (specifically Excel, Word, and Powerpoint).
Strong analytical, organizational skills and the ability to problem solve, multitask, prioritize and work independently
Excellent communication and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous SAP experience and/or Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

Responsibilities

Use data-driven insights, acumen and market knowledge to create and execute Merchandising and Category Management strategies specific Sales Growth, Profitability/Program Improvement and Operational Efficiency, delivering measurable results to the P&L with speed to market.
Manage DON’s shared assortment strategy with a focus on stock sales growth.
Serve as category subject matter expert, responding to product and category inquiries from Sales, Sales Support and Customer Service in a timely and prioritized manner.
Develop, negotiate, and manage supplier programs and relationships.
Conduct regular business reviews with Strategic Suppliers and senior management.
Analyze market trends to develop respective merchandising plans.
Plan and implement marketing activities to support the merchandising plans.
Proactively interact with Sales Leadership to identify opportunities to increase sales and overall profitability.
Support DON’s integration with Sysco, collaborating effectively with USBL and Speciality peer groups with appropriate prioritization.
Manage assigned Merchandising category management and support staff.
Proatively keep management informed of activities and problems within assigned area of responsibility; refer matters beyond limits of authority to appropriate parties.
Develop and counsel direct reports on training and job opportunities which will enhance their career development.
Monitor work productivity and recommend/implement changes to improve work productivity.
Plan, schedule, and assign workload to direct reports.
Monitor and approve time off requests, attendance, vacation, sick/personal time, and administers time and attendance policies appropriately.
Coach, counsel and document direct reports on performance issues and completes annual and semi-annual (where appropriate) performance appraisals for all direct reports in a timely manner.
Conduct team staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct reports to keep them informed of current problems, changes and new developments in the department and company.
Coordinate cross training of staff to maximize productivity and provide back-up coverage of all functions.
Perform other duties as assigned