Director of Sourcing and Product Development

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

2d•$100,000 - $135,000

About The Position

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 130 locations across 13 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. As a Director of Sourcing and Product Development, you will play a critical role in the success of the overall sales performance of Rural King. This position will partner with various departments from Category Management and Store Operations to Inventory, Sourcing, and Marketing to drive results through execution of barn burners, pallet features, endcaps, sidekicks, clip strips, and margin bins. Create, execute, and update planograms across all categories supporting all stores in line with the overall space merchandising strategy of the organization. Have full control of the feature selection, assortment planning, negotiation, and product lifecycle of the chosen items. Work closely with Category Managers on informing them of the selection chosen as well as the overall space merchandising strategy. Own the full life cycle of the additional skus. Focus on items for the Rudy calendar, Price Busters, Grand Opening specials, Harvest Card Giveaways, and Black Friday. Plan for 25% of the features to be new products to create excitement and foot traffic. Travel, as business dictates, to Rural King locations and vendors. Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King. Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program. Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism. 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 developments. 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. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

At least 5 years of retail experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn Oracle ERP Systems.
Strong understanding of retail business practices.
Proven experience in effectively supervising and leading a diverse team, guiding them toward achieving department goals and objectives.
Proficiency in adapting communication style and tone to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and at different levels within the organization.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen actively, and communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
Contribute to the decision-making process by actively participating in discussions, providing insightful input, and challenging ideas constructively.
Strong resilience and adaptability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity and setbacks.
Experience in negotiating favorable pricing and terms with suppliers to optimize procurement processes.
Ability to remain composed and focused during high-pressure situations, ensuring quality and timely outcomes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members.
Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
Able to navigate and access all facilities.
Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
Close vision for computer-related tasks.

Responsibilities

Create, execute, and update planograms across all categories supporting all stores in line with the overall space merchandising strategy of the organization.
Have full control of the feature selection, assortment planning, negotiation, and product lifecycle of the chosen items.
Work closely with Category Managers on informing them of the selection chosen as well as the overall space merchandising strategy.
Own the full life cycle of the additional skus.
Focus on items for the Rudy calendar, Price Busters, Grand Opening specials, Harvest Card Giveaways, and Black Friday.
Plan for 25% of the features to be new products to create excitement and foot traffic.
Travel, as business dictates, to Rural King locations and vendors.
Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
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 developments.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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