Senior Merchant, Petsense

Overall Job Summary

This position is responsible for managing the Merchandising and Marketing functions of specific
categories per the guidelines of the Petsense Business Plan and the Merchandising Strategic Category Management Plan to maximize sales, gross margin and turn. 

This includes, but is not limited to product selection, vendor negotiations, vendor relationships, vendor support funds, competitive analysis, developing specific marketing plans, private label development, packaging, product presentation at store level, product training for store associates, retail price management, international sourcing, defective goods, and defining a strategic business plan for each category.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

• Develop, implement and communicate a comprehensive strategic business plan and budget for categories to support the Merchandising Strategic Category Management Plan aimed at maximizing the financial contribution made by each category. Responsible for the financial performance of each category as it relates to budgeted sales, gross margin, inventory, inventory turnover, and GMROI.
• Negotiate with Vendor Partners all aspects of merchandising program and maintain reputation of credibility and responsiveness. Topics to be considered are: assortment plans, product cost, packaging, retail pricing, logistics, terms of payment, vendor support, EDI related topics, new store discounts, volume rebates and more.
• Execute to the Company planned Sales Driving Initiatives to increase productivity per linear/square foot. Includes working with cross-functional teams to manage product development, global sourcing/importing, new product introduction, tests, regional programs, merchandise presentation, private label branding, distribution, inventory management, data analysis, collection of consumer/industry/market research and more. 
• Work with/direct Marketing to plan the promotions of products within each assigned category aimed at driving sales, maximizing, profit, increasing awareness, and attracting our core customers. Mediums to be considered: television, print advertising (circulars) direct mail multi-channel, POP and more. 
• Work with/direct Merchandise Presentation to maximize sales and gross margin per square foot utilizing POP, space allocation, and product presentation.
• Work with/direct Global Sourcing and Product Development teams to identify and execute sourcing from the best provider to maximize value proposition and profits.
• Insure product forecasting and flow for both events and in line merchandise. 
• Work with finance director and head merchant to create annual budgets and forecasting. 
• Ensure collection of all vendor funding as executed by Associate Merchant.
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, training, evaluation, and continuous development of the  Associate Merchant duties and responsibilities. Manage priorities and duties. 
• Establish and maintain communication with internal department, management, stores, and the vendor community.
   

Required Qualifications

Experience: 6+ years prior buying experience and/or retail experience preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered.
 

Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities

• Strong management skills. 
• Negotiation skills.
• Ability and proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook with an emphasis on spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to manipulate data to drive and expedite project analyses and completion.
• Ability to work overtime and travel occasionally.
   

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

Disclaimer

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position.  It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities.  A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.