Floral Category Merchant

Stater Bros. Markets•San Bernardino, CA

3d•$84,200 - $106,158•Onsite

About The Position

The Floral Category Merchant holds end-to-end responsibility for the effective procurement, strategic planning, and operational execution of floral programs that drive sustainable growth in sales, gross margin, and customer loyalty. Operating within a highly perishable, fast-turn environment, this role requires tight grower and vendor coordination, precise Just-in-Time supply planning, and exceptional in-store execution discipline. Flawless timing, proactive communication, and rigorous quality management are essential to optimizing freshness, controlling shrink, and maximizing seasonal and everyday category performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
3+ years of experience in Category Management or senior-level Procurement, Merchandising, Pricing, Promotional Planning, or Category Analysis, including required direct or indirect experience in floral operations, produce/fresh departments, or fresh/perishable supply chain execution (Grocery industry experience highly preferred)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and decision support
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies clearly
Strong analytical, mathematical, and data-driven problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to meet/exceed strict timelines
Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally
Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset; actively foster innovation and drive disciplined execution
Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver's License where driving is required to perform the essential functions of the position, including the authorized operation of Company loaner vehicles

Nice To Haves

MBA or MS a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for store operations, vendors, growers, Distribution, Marketing, Merchandising, Procurement and the broader category team to support profitable growth, execution excellence, and reliable coordination
Apply a curious, data-centric approach to support Business Development Leadership in strategic decision-making and category performance analysis
Execute Floral category strategies, focusing on sales, margin, shrink, assortment and quality
Manage timely, accurate, and thorough vendor and item setup and maintenance requests to support category operations and execution
Executes floral procurement activity by coordinating vendor availability, product timing, order needs, substitutions, and seasonal supply requirements
Engage in Floral vendor negotiations to secure favorable cost, promotional support, quality standards, and assortment aligned with category strategy, margin goals, and customer value
Plan and execute every day, seasonal and key floral selling periods by aligning order quantities with demand, securing profitable Just-in-Time supply, assortment planning, promotional timing, and execution support
Coordinate floral order timing, delivery schedules, and product flow to maintain quality and freshness and still meet demand
Monitor product quality, freshness, shrink, and sell-through to improve overall category performance
Provide direction to Retail teams regarding floral merchandising standards, display presentation, seasonal sets, and store-level execution
Build, submit, monitor, and maintain promotions in partnership with the Promotional Planning Team to support sales and execution goals
Execute price and cost business processes accurately and on time, including condition records and contract-related updates
Maintain and execute pricing and promotional updates, working under the direction of Business Development Leadership and in partnership with the Promotional Planning Team to ensure all strategies align with category objectives
Approve and execute price changes while managing and monitoring overrides to maintain pricing accuracy and control
Conduct competition checks to maintain visibility to price, product and display activities for market awareness, and strategic decision-making
Travel to store locations, regional offices, farms, production facilities, fields, etc. as needed to support strategic partnerships
Support Business Development Leadership with category reviews, analysis, and cross-functional projects that advance business priorities
Prepare strategic meeting materials for Joint Business Planning, Top-to-Top, and key business reviews
Coordinate with vendors and Data Integrity to maintain current compliance documentation, including ReposiTrak requirements
Represent the brand at industry events to build relationships, identify opportunities, and gather insights that inform category strategy
Model company values in authentic and caring ways that support the brand promise and strengthen team collaboration
Perform other duties and assignments as needed to support business priorities and operational requirements