Sr. Manager, Merchandising Strategic Initiatives

Walgreens • Deerfield, IL

13d • $125,000 - $218,750 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Merchandising Initiatives leads merchandising initiatives end-to-end — from opportunity identification and strategy development through business case development, execution, and results measurement — to grow and improve business results across Walgreens stores and customers. This role requires strong strategic and analytical thinking paired with disciplined program management, the ability to operate in both tactical details and senior leadership discussions, and sound judgment to resolve ambiguous, cross-functional problems and advance initiatives independently. The Sr. Manager serves as a key cross-functional leader, building strong partnerships and champions alignment across diverse stakeholder groups to drive organizational effectiveness and shared accountability. This role leads and develops a high-performing team, establishes clear expectations for ownership and initiative leadership, and cultivates a culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 4 years of experience in one or more of the following: retail, procurement/purchasing, merchandising, vendor relations, or retail marketing OR a High School Diploma/GED and at least 7 years of experience in two or more of the following: retail, procurement/purchasing, merchandising, vendor relations, or retail marketing.
• Experience establishing & maintaining relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, including the executive level.
• Experience analyzing and reporting data in order to identify issues, trends, or exceptions to drive improvement of results and find solutions.
• Experience identifying operational issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems.
• At least 2 years of experience contributing to financial decisions in the workplace.
• At least 2 years of direct leadership, indirect leadership and/or cross-functional team leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA
• Experience in management consulting, retail merchandising, or corporate strategy/program management
• Experience leading large-scale, store-facing program launches or new capability rollouts (e.g., new store services, category or space initiatives, technology deployments)
• Experience managing and developing people managers or a multi-level team
• Project/program management certification (e.g., PMP) a plus
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leadership without direct authority

Responsibilities

• Builds the formal frameworks and methodologies for approaching major strategic issues both leveraging existing resources and creating new innovative concepts across the Company for area of expertise. Ensures process and structural fit with key stakeholders. Performs as a focal point for cross-functional teams and liaison to stakeholders in developing and implementing frameworks. Develops effective working relationships with stakeholders to achieve targeted goals and/or solutions.
• Counsels key stakeholders on areas of expertise. Partners cross-functionally to translate and define business needs for area of responsibility to execute against. Strategically partners cross-functionally to develop the strategies and actionable roadmap to meet goals. Develops short- and long-range strategies, plans and actionable goals. Oversees implementation of procedures, processes, and policies that have significant impact upon the organization.
• Makes recommendations for the formulation of the strategies and operating plans of the specified area of responsibility, then, based on prevailing conditions executes or adjusts the operating plans of the business unit directed.
• Shares complex information related to areas of expertise. Interacts with senior management to keep abreast of objectives. Interacts with direct reports and peers in management / customers / vendors to interpret information and improve cross-functional processes and programs. Builds and enhances key internal and external contacts.
• Sets financial, operational and quality objectives and develops/oversees operating plans for the area of responsibility.
• Ensures growth and optimization of consumer awareness, market share and/or specified initiatives. Reviews the competitive marketplace and makes recommendations for adjustments to operational and strategic activities based upon identified information.
• May develop budget for specified area of responsibility and delivers against business goals/objectives.
• Analyzes performance drivers, proactively determines actionable strategy, and then contributes to identifying solutions for mitigation and/or optimization to achieve overall business goals.
• Directs teams accountable for daily operations. Oversees and directs the work of managers, senior managers and their subordinates. Obtains and allocates resources to meet operating plans. Ensures the ongoing training and development of direct reports. Develops and mentors staff through on-boarding, open communication, training and development opportunities and performance management processes; builds and maintains employee morale and motivation; ensures the team is appropriately staffed with required competencies; fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• The Salary below is being provided to promote pay transparency and equal employment opportunities at Walgreens. The actual hourly salary within this range that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. To review benefits, please click here jobs.walgreens.com/benefits. If you are applying on a job board or unable to click on the link, please copy and paste this URL into your browser jobs.walgreens.com/benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager