Merchandiser

Sysco•Toronto, ON

81d

About The Position

The Merchandiser is responsible for managing the procurement, inventory levels, pricing, and overall profitability of assigned product categories within the Center of the Plate (COP) portfolio. This role analyzes product performance and market trends to optimize SKU assortment and category results. Working cross-functionally with Sales and Marketing teams, as well as external vendor partners, the Merchandiser collaborates to develop strategies that drive product availability, competitive pricing, and category growth while supporting overall business objectives.

Requirements

Minimum of 4 years of experience, including at least 2 years of protein merchandising or category management experience in retail or foodservice, managing multiple protein categories.
Post-secondary education in a related field preferred (e.g., Supply Chain Management); an equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered.
Understanding of commodity markets.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal departments to drive sales, resolve issues, and create competitive advantage.
Strong negotiation, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills.
High degree of integrity and accountability, with the ability to handle a significant amount of proprietary information and processes where trust and discretion are essential.
Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness in challenging or ambiguous situations, including during discussions, negotiations, or when navigating differing perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Sales and marketing experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Understands and stays current on product and market information, and provides this to the sales team where required.
Influences sales decisions toward profitable items.
Manages buy downs and spot buys in line with inventory and financial guidelines.
Manages packer rake on Sysco muscle cuts (price, volume, and timing).
Participates in training Sales associates.
Works with marketing on customer facing sales promotions.
Works with the Business Development and Sales team on customer facing opportunities such as new product lines.
Uses market intelligence to assist in presenting relevant sales quotations.
Recommend product offerings and at time act as decision maker.
Rationalizes SKU’s to optimize warehouse needs and resources (e.g. space).
Executes SSMG partnership strategies to drive Specialty Brand and Sourcing growth.
Establishes market and sales rep landed cost in collaboration with Costing and Revenue Management.
Works with Inventory Control and Production to appropriately age and rotate product, reduce shrink.
Maximize profitability by focusing on product mix, cut utilization (production/portion control), maintaining costing and pricing, price book while keeping market relevant.
Supports procurement team in managing aged/overstock/deadstock, stock on hand and replenishing to appropriate inventory levels.
Create and distribute merchandising reports on a weekly basis.
Resolves vendor discrepancies and conflicts.
Negotiates local program agreements.
Facilitates vendor setups and management of product list.
Responsible for the management and execution of Vendor cost Changes.
Complies with Sysco’s Food Safety Policy and procedures to ensure food safety, quality and legality requirements are met.
Is willing to work safely with minimal environmental impact and understands the importance of reporting all hazards, incidents, and environmental spills immediately to their Supervisor.
Understands that they play an integral role in their own safety and that of their colleagues and is willing to speak out when hazards are present.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive Flexible Benefits including Health and Dental, Health Care Spending and Wellness Accounts
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Life Insurance
Voluntary Optional Insurance
Parental Leave Plan
Company Pension Plan
Group RRSP & TFSA
Employee and Family Assistance
Stock Purchase Plan
Maple Virtual Care
Unlimited on-line learning
Sysco product discounts
Preferred vendor discounts
Associate Resource Groups (benefits may vary based on location or bargaining unit)