Assistant Merchant

Description At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle‑free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as an Assistant Merchant is to drive sales and maximize profitability of assigned categories through all sales channels including internet, catalog, and retail through the execution of Merchant’s strategic vision. Your positive, professional, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves‑to‑help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression. Key Responsibilities Manages the profitability and implements the strategic direction of all assigned categories including sales, adjusted landed margin dollars, adjusted landed margin rate and turn. Executes line review for categories including setting up SKUs and suppliers. Assists with selection and responsible for build out of direct mailer for assigned categories and accurate data entered into appropriate systems. Maximizes sales of each class through effective quarterly promotions. Partners with Pricing Analyst on recommendations of promotional pricing, power buys, sale items and special offerings such as racetrack, direct mailer, emails, home page. Monitors performance of promotions and reports findings to category merchant team. Executes new product introductions on time per the project calendar. Communicates and provides clear direction to cross‑functional team on strategy for all assets needed at launch including planograms, videos, images, content, promotions, signs, labor hours, and loss prevention. Communicates in open‑to‑buy meetings the changes to business and the needs that are established through current trends, forecasting the category with accuracy in order to get resources that would be needed to deliver the numbers to budget. Partners with Advertising, Marketing and other cross‑functional partners to launch new products including sourcing, packaging and marketing. Coordinates the procurement of all required advertising content and ensures copy, images and video content are accurate through vendor portal. Paginates catalog pages according to strategy. Shops competitively through both in‑store and online research. Understands assigned categories within the major competitors including promotions, online experience and in‑store presentations. Manages communication with Retail through the Retail Operations team. Works with team to make sure Plan‑To‑Operate is clear, timely, and any issues that arise are communicated through that team. Manages online conversion for assigned categories. Communicates the gaps and works cross‑functionally to close gaps in a timely manner. Participates in requesting and utilizing multi‑channel vendor marketing funds. Assists Merchant with creating multi‑year strategic roadmap for assigned categories. What you will bring to the table Bachelor’s degree preferred with focus on business, economics, finance or related field. 1+ year experience in merchandising, marketing, vendor relations, retail or related field. Strong computer knowledge MS Office Suite; strong Excel skills and PowerBI a plus. Strong organizational and prioritization skills are required. Ability to keep multiple projects on schedule simultaneously. Strong decision‑making ability. Ability to work accurately with numbers and details. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Strong interest in Merchandising and hardline product categories. Ability to travel occasionally. Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s 12 Core Competencies. About Us Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue‑collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue‑collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team. Benefits Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes: Competitive Pay: Earn $5,900 to $85,950 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value. Variable Pay: Variable pay is a component of compensation that can fluctuate based on performance, results, or specific metrics, rather than being a fixed amount like a salary. Annual bonus tied to company performance are paid annually. Incentive plans tied to an achievement‑based outcome are generally paid monthly to quarterly. The NTE AIP plan pay ranges from 5% to 100% of base salary. Eligibility is based on grade and roles that manage performance. Eligibility and payouts are outlined in the NTE AIP policy. Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work‑life balance you deserve with our full‑time, 8‑hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely 1‑2 days and in the office 3‑4 days. Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well‑being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future. Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility. Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones. Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs. When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here! #J-18808-Ljbffr Northern Tool