Summary

The Director of Grocery Merchandising will be responsible for leading a Team of category managers/buyers and achieving all budgeted sales and margin targets.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

·         Develop merchandising and marketing strategies and tactics that will increase sales and margin for the Grocery Department.

·         Responsible for achieving all sales and margin targets for the Grocery Dept (Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Bulk and Beer/Wine/Spirits).

·         Establish Vendor and Inventory Management processes that maximize supplier performance and minimize supply chain costs.

·         Provide forecasting information that ensures in-stock performance by our vendors and DC.

·         Champion assortment and pricing optimization processes that increase sales/margin while reducing inventory.

·         Maximize collection of marketing funds in support of Sunflower Markets advertising programs.

·         Provide creative input in support of new merchandising and marketing initiatives.

·         Aggressively support Private Label department – build brand awareness and loyalty consistent with Private Label strategy.

·         Recruit, train and develop category management staff.

·         Develop succession plan and prepare “high potential” employees for career advancement.

·         Collaboratively work with all support functions.

·         Have a passion for Retail and our Customers!

·         Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Requires a B.S./B.A. degree in a business or marketing related field


• MBA preferred and/or equivalent work experience


• Must have a minimum of 10 years of grocery industry experience with an emphasis in category management and sourcing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of category management processes.


• Ability to adapt to the ever changing retail environment while working in a cross-functional team environment.


• Must have the ability to take initiative when problems arise and use independent judgment to take immediate corrective actions.


• Ability to develop, motivate and mentor staff.


• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a variety of situations.


• Must have advanced attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.


• Excellent written communication and documentation skills.


• Possess visionary traits and leadership which identify future opportunities for revenue and profit growth


• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally, as well as with vendors, peers, and senior management.


• Must be proficient with MS Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.


• Ability to multitask is essential.


• Must be able to lead, support and contribute to team goals.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Prolonged sitting in front of a computer 


• The potential for prolonged standing, walking, squatting and/or bending


• The ability to lift up to 50 lbs


• Occasional high stress when dealing with staff