Division Merchandising Manager

Gordon Food Service•Brighton, MI

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division Merchandising Manager executes product merchandising activities within an assigned division to support goals across all product categories. In alignment with the Regional Merchandising Manager, this role collaborates and communicates with North American category, marketing, and sales teams, as well as vendors, to execute strategies that achieve sales, margin, and brand goals. The manager supports strategic market-share growth and product positioning by aligning vendor and broker partners with sales and educational opportunities that serve customers. The role is the primary point of contact for the regional vendor and broker community. It develops, prioritizes, and executes partnership strategies that align with the company’s long-range plan and divisional goals. The position also supports product training, specialist development, local marketing plans, and the planning and execution of events and campaigns. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hybrid schedule of four days in the office and one day from home. The role may also require exceptional hours, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

At least 3 years of product/category knowledge or previous marketing experience.
High school diploma required.
Excellent customer service, mentoring, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to develop, refine, communicate, and implement plans and to set and define goals.
Ability to maintain knowledge of industry trends and provide training on technical aspects of commercial or non-commercial segments.
Industry and segment knowledge, including the ability to analyze and interpret data.
Good time-management, administration, and organizational skills.
Ability to build relationships, network, influence, and connect resources to plan and execute business practices.
Ability to multitask and work exceptional hours, including evenings and weekends.
Willingness to take on new responsibilities and a strong desire to succeed.
Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems and ensure solutions are consistent with organizational objectives.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
Bilingual in English and French.

Responsibilities

Facilitate product, category, brand, and supplier information and communication between the Regional Merchandising Team and Divisional Sales and Marketing Teams.
Collaborate with the Regional Merchandising Team to maintain appropriate product mix, attain sales, and meet margin goals.
Contribute to planning and executing product training and development for Customer Development Specialists in collaboration with merchandising, customer support, specialist, training, and supplier/broker teams.
Plan and support the personal and professional development of Product Specialists in product, supplier, and product knowledge.
Serve as the primary communication point for the local broker and supplier community.
Drive planning and execution of strategies and initiatives with internal teams and local suppliers and brokers in support of regional merchandising and divisional goals.
Collaborate on developing, monitoring, and executing local vendor and broker marketing plans.
Support the Campaign and Events Specialist with product- and vendor-related information and strategies for industry, sales and marketing events, divisional meetings, campaigns, and food shows.
Understand, request, and analyze relevant reports and resources to support effective decision-making and provide product expertise.
Perform other duties as assigned.