Merchandise Inventory Manager

Meijer•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

This position actively leads the assigned business area to achieve financial goals by supporting the development of business strategies, developing the skill sets with the team, and executing defined business processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
5+ years experience in Merchandising or prior experience with inventory allocation within the retail industry.
Ability to drive positive change.
Knowledge of the retail industry with understanding of specific product lines and core customer behavior.
Results focused using performance targets and goals to drive self and team success.
Building effective teams with proven ability to build and maintain product cross-functional relationships.
Strategic agility with the ability to see ahead clearly and can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately.
Office computer skills with the ability to learn company systems and tools.

Responsibilities

Develop a partnership with the Merchandise Manager/Director to support the development of key merchandising strategies and tactics that deliver financial objectives and delivery ROI.
Partner with the Merchandise Manager/Director to drive and execute key business decisions impacting assigned business area such as: product flow and exit strategies, resource allocation (receipts, space & inventory), and calendar and timeline compliance with regard to new stores, remodel stores & category transitions (including seasonal resets and clearance).
Partner with the Merchandise Manager/Director to support the development of key business strategies impacting the assigned category such as pricing and promotional activity.
Support the development of pre-season financial strategies developed by the Planning COE to achieve planned sales, margin, and turn goals.
Approve product flow strategies for both domestic and import programs to deliver optimum profit while ensuring they align with overall Meijer supply chain strategies.
Co-lead key business review meetings directing the team to highlight the current state of the business, forecasts future trends, and focuses on resolution.
Lead monthly forecast review meeting with the Merchandise Manager/Director to discuss MPRS level performance, identify strategies and hold the team accountable for the strategies agreed upon to maintain a positive trend or reverse a negative one.
Drive accountability within the team to seek out in-season opportunities to maximize sales, margin, inventory turn, and ROI.
Utilize fact-based analysis to drive merchandising decisions across all teams.
Collaborate with Merchandise Manager/Director to manage and develop relationships with key vendors within area of responsibility, by defining strategies and developing and reinforcing corporate guidelines that drive profitability, manage inventory investment achieving ROI and drive future growth.
Accountable for managing resolution of key merchandising issues affecting customers, including customers, stores, and DFs; such as: product flow and supply chain strategies, over-stocks/out of stocks, pricing, and new stores/remodels.
Provide leadership within team to effectively manage an open relationship across the team and leadership.
Provide coaching, guidance, and direction to the Business Analysts to develop their individual skill set.
Work with Merchandise Manager/Director to resolve conflict and teamwork issues within assigned teams to be sure they are operating effectively and efficiently.
Communicate with Merchandise Manager/Director and appropriate levels of the organization to recognize and raise issues or opportunities in a timely manner.
Responsible for key human resource functions for Business Analysts including: staffing, performance evaluations, salary administration, adherence to company policy.
Enforce fact-based decision-making within the team.
Influence and partner with others outside of the organization.