Merchandising Manager

MFA Oil Company•Columbia, MO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Break Time Merchandising Manager manages merchandising, pricebook and category management activities for Break Time. The Merchandising Manager also directly manages the product mix for assigned categories, including selecting products, ensuring appropriate product and vendor set up, and evaluating profitability. This position develops and maintains effective vendor relationships and works with the Break Time marketing team to coordinate product offerings, monitor sales, and develop dynamic sales promotions for assigned product categories inside our 70+ convenience stores across Missouri.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or a minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in a retail environment
High School diploma or equivalent
General knowledge of a retail sales environment
Business acumen including the ability to understand and calculate sales and profit statistics
Excellent analytical, creative, and organizational skills
Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey information concisely using proper grammar
Project management skills
Ability to be self-motivated, results-driven and resourceful
Ability to motivate employees under direct supervision, evaluate performance and assist in personal and professional development
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
Availability to travel statewide regularly to visit the convenience stores and nationally or regionally occasionally for trade shows
Valid/current driver’s license
Ability to learn new concepts and use technical materials
Ability to consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
Ability to exchange accurate information with MFA Oil Company employees, vendors and customers in English
Ability to meet company requirements including successful pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check
Legal authorization to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience
Ability to effectively present to individuals, as well as small and large groups
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work at a fast pace
Ability to provide accurate and thorough work with attention to detail
Ability to thrive in a fast paced, growing organization and rapidly changing environment
Ability to multi-task and context-switch effectively between different activities and teams

Responsibilities

Manage merchandising, pricebook and category management activities for Break Time to ensure effective product selection, placement and pricing and optimize store sales and profitability.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with category vendors; communicate orders and delivery requirements; manage vendor contracts to enhance profitability
Evaluate available product offerings and select product assortment aligned with customer demand
Continuously analyze current product mix and new product offerings to identify opportunities for growth and enhanced profitability
Review vendor promotions for expected success within Break Time stores; select and implement promotions and track results
Research data relevant to the success of assigned products, including consumer and industry trends
Evaluate priorities and develop strategies and tactics for each assigned category based on performance, industry trends and overall company impact
Review, evaluate and assess retail sales and gross profit statistics; adjust product mix accordingly and/or address operational issues with appropriate team members
In coordination with Break Time marketing team, develop product promotions to enhance revenue and gross profit
Establish product pricing according to profitability guidelines and competitive environment
Develop, implement and maintain appropriate planograms, continuously monitoring product placement to accommodate product changes and promote optimal product turn
Develop and maintain strong category knowledge, including but not limited to product lines, industry and culture trends, and any associated regulations
Communicate product and vendor information to store management teams as needed
Ensure proper setup of suppliers and products through legal, accounting and pricebook, timely communicating vendor changes and product specifications
Support point of purchase merchandising as it relates to assigned categories, products and promotions, communicating with other category professionals and field merchandisers to ensure a coordinated approach within the stores
Travel to store locations as needed to review execution of planograms and assist store management with promotions and related activities
Manage assigned employees including hiring, evaluating performance, making wage adjustments, and taking disciplinary action as appropriate
Plan and direct the work of assigned employees, including providing clear direction; training, developing and motivating employees; enforcing company policies and safety requirements; monitoring productivity; and resolving conflict in a timely manner
Establish individual and team goals for assigned departments, as well as establish personal goals with senior leader. Ensure goals are attainable and trackable
Review and approve employee time entry, ensuring employees follow posted work schedules and adhere to proper clocking procedures to accurately reflect hours worked
All MFA Oil employees are expected to know and adhere to company and position specific policies and procedures. While this job description contains the primary duties of the position, employees may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.