Senior Director of Merchandising Operations

Rural King • Mattoon, IL

1d • $135,000 - $210,000

About The Position

The Senior Director of Merchandising Operations leads the execution of merchandising initiatives, pricing programs, and operational improvements that support Rural King’s sales, margin, and business objectives. The role works with Merchandising, Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and other business partners to coordinate projects, resolve issues, improve processes, and move initiatives from planning through completion. Success requires strong project management, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to drive accountability and results across multiple teams.

The position leads and develops associates, establishes processes and follow-up routines, builds cross-functional relationships, and identifies ways to improve workflows and execution. It also supports pricing and margin initiatives, maintains pricing procedures and controls, and helps ensure accurate, timely implementation of price changes. The role has supervisory responsibilities and may perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of retail experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• At least 3 years of vendor relations experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfort navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of merchandising processes, procedures, and operational standards.
• Translate business priorities into action plans, set timelines, assign responsibilities, and track work through completion.
• Coordinate merchandising initiatives with Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, and other business partners.
• Identify process gaps and operational challenges, and implement solutions that improve consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Develop and maintain procedures, training materials, and communication tools.
• Review proposals, assess operational impacts, and recommend practical solutions to improve business performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects, define expectations and responsibilities, follow up on deliverables, and ensure timely completion.
• Partner with Space Planning and New Stores on merchandising requirements, project timelines, store readiness, and operational needs.
• Work with RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and Merchandising to address issues, coordinate resources, and advance projects.
• Organize meetings, prepare updates, document decisions, communicate action items, and follow up with stakeholders.
• Monitor project milestones, identify delays or obstacles, and work proactively with teams to resolve them.
• Establish and maintain reporting processes that show project status, outstanding items, and results.
• Coordinate pricing initiatives and price changes across buying teams, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and clear communication.
• Partner with Store Operations to establish price change schedules and address operational requirements or constraints.
• Maintain pricing policies, procedures, and controls.
• Work with IT to troubleshoot pricing system issues, improve processes, and support system enhancements.
• Analyze gross margin performance, product costs, and cost drivers to identify risks and opportunities.
• Partner with buyers and merchandising leaders to evaluate pricing and cost opportunities, support vendor negotiations, and improve profitability.
• Monitor pricing and margin initiatives, communicate results, and coordinate adjustments as needed.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of pricing programs, including price zones and special pricing initiatives.
• Lead and develop associates by setting expectations, coaching, and reinforcing accountability.
• Build working relationships across Merchandising, Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and other business functions.
• Establish processes and follow-up routines to help teams prioritize work, address issues, and meet commitments.
• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows, improve communication, and strengthen execution.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information and sensitive business matters.
• Provide professional support to internal and external partners and respond to questions and issues in a timely manner.
• Lead in alignment with Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program and its stated values.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Healthcare plans.
• Virtual doctor visits.
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% associate discount.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program.
• Associate Assistance Program.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
• 24/7 chaplaincy services.
• Company-paid YMCA family membership.
• Bonus eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed