Manager, Import Wine

Total Wine & More•SSC - MD, MD

1d•$101,520 - $171,000•Onsite

About The Position

Total Wine & More is seeking a Manager, Import Wine to join our Merchandising team in Bethesda, MD. In this role, you will oversee buying for imported wines with a focus on category and supplier management. You will manage vendor negotiations, own supplier relationships and strategies, and assortment decisions to deliver financial results and an exceptional customer experience. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced buyer to shape categories through strategic sourcing and data-driven decision making while developing open needs, trends, and innovation. This role will collaborate cross-functionally to implement programs that drive growth within these extremely important suppliers and categories. You will report to the Director, Wine.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred.
6-8 years experience of buying, merchandising, or vendor management experience, preferably within the wine or alcoholic beverage industry.
Strong understanding of category management principles with proven ability to deliver financial results.
Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret sales and margin data to drive decisions.
Experience building, managing and revitalizing supplier relationships, including negotiating costs, securing assortment opportunities and driving supplier strategic visions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to build relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; knowledge of Microsoft Access or other database tools preferred.

Nice To Haves

Language skills a plus - Spanish, Italian.

Responsibilities

Oversee buying and category management for imported categories, ensuring optimal assortments that meet customer preferences and corporate objectives.
Execute vendor negotiations and manage supplier relationships to secure best costs, build partnerships, and drive differentiated assortments.
Monitor and analyze sales, margin, and inventory performance to develop actionable plans that achieve financial targets.
Identify market trends and new product opportunities, recommending assortment enhancements that align with customer demand and business strategy.
Manage and oversee new item process; set up, ongoing item maintenance, compliance, and supply chain partnerships
Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Marketing, Promotions, and Store Operations to implement programs that drive category growth.
Support private label development initiatives, working with suppliers and internal partners to bring products to market.
Support the Director of Import Wine Merchandising in executing strategic initiatives and delivering against team goals.
Drive process improvements within assigned categories, enhancing operational efficiency and business performance.