Manager, Merchandising Operations

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Merchandising Operations serves as a strategic operator and consultative partner supporting end-to-end item lifecycle execution. This role leads complex cross-functional initiatives, resolves upstream and downstream operational issues, and drives structured, data-driven improvements that enable merchandising strategies at scale. This leader operates with an ownership mindset — treating work as their own business, proactively removing barriers, and delivering simple, scalable solutions that Merchants value and adopt. Strong organizational discipline and project management expertise are essential. The role involves extensive support and consultation on the end-to-end item lifecycle, leading various projects and programs, ensuring governance and controlled execution, driving data-driven strategy and execution, and managing stakeholder communications across various departments like Merchandising, Product, Technology, Supply Chain, and Operations.

Requirements

Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex, cross‑functional issues.
Deep understanding of item lifecycle processes and dependencies.
Experience managing large-scale projects, programs, or operational initiatives.
Ability to translate business strategy into actionable, scalable operational solutions.
Data fluency, including analytics interpretation, KPI development, and root‑cause discovery.
High attention to detail with a disciplined governance mindset.
Strong communication skills with the ability to synthesize complexity for executive audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively across Merchandising, Tech, Product, Supply Chain, and Operations.
Comfort managing multiple priorities simultaneously with clarity and structure.
A proactive, risk‑mitigation mindset focused on preventing operational disruption.
Experience developing SOPs, training content, and enablement materials.
Relationship-building skills that enable influence without direct authority.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field OR 4 years’ experience in business management, merchandising, or related area.
3+ years of experience in Merchandising Operations, Retail Operations, Item Operations, or related field.
2+ years of experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
Demonstrated experience building project plans, metrics, and structured documentation.

Nice To Haves

PMP, Agile, SAFe, Six Sigma, or other project management certification.
Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously.
Experience supporting item lifecycle, catalog governance, or merchandising system processes.
Experience partnering with Product and Technology teams.
Advanced analytical skills (Excel, SQL, Tableau, or similar).
Experience centralizing large data updates or managing governed attribute changes.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Resolve complex, end-to-end issues spanning upstream and downstream systems and processes.
Serve as a subject matter advisor on item dependencies across the full item lifecycle (setup, maintenance, governance, execution).
Develop solutions that work across platforms, systems, and operational processes — not in silos.
Identify, document, and surface trending operational issues to leadership with recommended actions.
Diagnose root causes through deep data analysis and cross-functional engagement.
Proactively remove risks that could impact item flow, data integrity, or merchant execution.
Partner closely with Merchandising, Product, Technology, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure seamless adoption and minimal disruption.
Lead legacy decommission and new development initiatives, including requirements gathering, business acceptance criteria, testing/validation, rule definition, and deployment execution.
Manage multiple concurrent initiatives with clear project plans, timelines, scope documentation, and risk mitigation strategies.
Translate merchandising strategies into executable operational programs.
Develop and maintain scorecards and KPIs tied directly to initiative success.
Oversee process optimization to improve efficiency, scalability, and data accuracy.
Lead data management efforts, including centralization of large and critical data updates.
Support and execute high-touch “White Glove” initiatives (Holiday Food Flow, Walmart Deals For Days, Black Friday/Annual Event, Back to School, etc.).
Collaborate with technology and support teams to ensure successful events and launches across multiple business units.
Drive Data Accuracy workstreams with measurable, sustained impact.
Develop and facilitate SOPs, training materials, and structured enablement sessions.
Execute elevated access changes and updates tied to critical item attributes.
Manage centralized governed updates with rigor and consistency.
Ensure governance standards are upheld through disciplined documentation and validation.
Prevent operational disruption via thorough review, testing, and cross‑functional alignment.
Provide structured reporting of data-driven insights.
Develop metrics tied directly to assigned workstreams and business outcomes.
Dive deep into root causes — validating assumptions with accurate analysis before execution.
Monitor performance trends and proactively recommend improvements.
Deliver clear, consistent analytics that support decision‑making.
Build trusted relationships across Merchandising, Product, Technology, and Operations.
Communicate effectively across peer, Director, and Senior Director levels.
Develop concise, structured communications, including Weekly/Monthly Business Reports and executive updates.
Lead discussions that drive alignment, problem resolution, and decision-making.
Understand cross‑workstream dependencies and the broader 4iTB context.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Performance-based bonus awards
Medical coverage
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
401(k)
Stock purchase
Company-paid life insurance
PTO (including sick leave)
Parental leave
Family care leave
Bereavement
Jury duty
Voting leave
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for high school completion, bachelor's degrees, English Language Learning, short-form certificates; tuition, books, and fees completely paid for by Walmart)