Manager, Merchandising

Breakthru Beverage Group•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Merchandising Manager assists sales teams in achieving company and supplier sales volume, distribution, and display objectives. The role manages and coaches a team of merchandisers and sales development representatives through planning, organization, training, and execution. The territory covers Pinellas County and South Tampa south to the Sarasota area. The manager communicates customer and account issues to sales, maintains relationships with key accounts, coordinates brand priorities and supplier surveys, and sets monthly merchandising priorities. The position plans with team members, monitors performance, provides coaching and evaluations, supports hiring and onboarding, and promotes adherence to work rules and standards. The role also requires safe and responsible interactions with the public while handling beverage alcohol products. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent training and work experience.
At least 5 years of management experience.
Proficiency with PCs, MS Office, and other computer programs, including presentation software.
Verbal and written communication skills, diplomacy, discretion, and customer service skills.
Ability to multitask, work independently and/or within a team, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
Analytical and reporting skills.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume team environment.
Ability to remain stationary at times, communicate, and operate a computer and telephone.
Occasionally lift 45–65 lbs.

Nice To Haves

2–3 years of sales support experience.

Responsibilities

Relay important customer issues to sales, including service concerns and changes to shelves or displays.
Maintain relationships with key accounts; identify account opportunities; review merchandising programs; develop opening display plans for new accounts; sell in store resets; manage open-territory coverage; resolve customer complaints; and escalate issues when necessary.
Coordinate brand priorities for pulse periods and promotions with local supplier representatives.
Manage supplier surveys by assisting with route planning, pre-surveying accounts, and generating action plans with sales FSMs and AMs.
Conduct bi-monthly planning meetings with sales development representatives to communicate objectives and programs, identify opportunities, review performance, and guide team members on closing gaps.
Hold monthly one-on-one pre-planning meetings with each SDR and merchandiser to strategize on goals and, where applicable, define target accounts for display initiatives.
Set monthly priorities for merchandising and SDR teams in coordination with Division and POS Managers and organizational objectives.
Supervise merchandisers and sales development representatives on the team.
Develop and review performance enhancement plans for SDRs through evaluations, monitoring new-hire 90-day evaluations, coaching calls, and follow-up.
Address skill deficiencies by developing customized coaching plans, tracking progress, and recording improvement.
Participate in associate recruitment, interviews, selection, and onboarding in collaboration with human resources.
Coach and evaluate team members and oversee performance management plans for Field Sales Managers and/or Area Managers.
Promote accountability and ensure adherence to work rules and standards through performance coaching and counseling as needed.
Interact safely and responsibly with the public while handling beverage alcohol products.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.