Merchandising Manager ( On-Site in Watsonville, CA)

Driscoll's • Watsonville, CA

316d • $90,052 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to take the lead in an exciting new initiative at Driscoll's that will transform how we drive growth and inspire shoppers? As a Merchandising Manager, reporting to the Director of Shopper Marketing and Merchandising, you'll be at the heart of our mission to elevate in-store shopper experience, create compelling displays, and drive product sales for Driscoll's and our retail partners. In this dynamic role, you will develop innovative shelf strategies and optimize product distribution, ensuring our berries stand out and foster brand loyalty. You'll be a key player in shaping visually captivating, shopper-centric displays that engage customers and support Driscoll's market expansion goals. Success comes from your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Brand Marketing, Shopper Marketing, Market Insights, Customer Development, and Sales, to execute cohesive, integrated strategies that make every shopper's journey with Driscoll's unforgettable. Join us in leading this fun, impactful initiative, and help grow our brand in exciting new ways!

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or 3-5 years in Retail Merchandising, Grocery Store Operations, CPG Space Planning.
• Proficient in space planning tools (e.g. Spaceman, JDA Space Planner).
• Proficient in business intelligence tools (e.g., IRI, Nielsen, Tableau) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of fixture types and development to complement existing berry shelf needs.
• Strong critical thinking, communication, customer engagement, and presentation skills.
• Maintain a strong understanding of shelf stocking best practices, including proper product positioning, space-to-sales ratio, and rotation for freshness, to minimize shrink and optimize shelf presence.
• Strong understanding of category insights, P&L management, budgeting, and the ability to track and manage KPIs to drive ROI.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with a solid grasp of distribution, pricing, shelving, store operations, and merchandising dynamics.
• 3-5 years of experience in space planning, store operations, or field sales merchandising. Experience in the CPG industry is a plus.
• Strong communicator with proven success in influencing and driving change.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various customers and cross functional teams.
• Valid driver's license and eligibility for company vehicle insurance required.
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally for meetings, market tours, and customer events (up to 25%). Valid passport required.
• Willingness to work in a grocery environment (approximately 15-20% of the time), supporting tasks such as display refreshes, brand asset testing, in-store campaign execution, and building visually appealing displays.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Utilize Retail Category Data to identify opportunities, and lead in the development and execution of in-store merchandising priorities in alignment with Driscoll's and Customer growth objectives.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales growth and profitability: Creating Customer Sell in Decks with merchandising plans, solutions, and creative assets to present alongside Customer Development and Sales team, to maximize shelf space and sales performance.
• Use syndicated data to understand market trends, competitive landscape, and customer preferences.
• Design and implement KPI frameworks relevant to evaluating ROI against each Retailer's Merchandising in-store execution tactics.
• Prepare Regular reports on program performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Present findings to Senior Management and cross functional teams to drive alignment and strategy refinement.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Develop clear and effective communication tools for store operations teams and merchandising agencies, to ensure planogram compliance, sign installation, and other in-store activities that require instruction.
• Drive Internal communication around strategies and tactics, key campaigns, and retailer initiatives and results with internal stakeholders from Sales to Executive Leadership.
• Lead new product launches and communicate retailer needs and potential solutions for in-store brand asset development with Marketing Brand Team.
• Manage communication with retail solution providers to drive the development of customer display solutions that address specific retailer needs.
• Manage supply chain for brand asset distribution, display solutions, and installation by retailer.
• Represent the company at trade shows and industry events, promoting our products and building brand awareness.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Profit-sharing participation.
• Paid sick time.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid personal and family care leave.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree