Pro Associate Merchant - Trades

Position Purpose The Pro Associate Merchant is responsible for executing Pro Merchandising objectives for an assigned category, creating and maintaining vendor relationships, and developing the overall strategy to drive business by providing the right products to Pro customers. They drive The Home Depot’s growth in the wholesale distribution channel by understanding customer requirements across the category’s full value chain, ensuring The Home Depot has the necessary sales process, assortment, fulfillment, and value‑added services to compete. They build strong relationships with the core merchandising team and the outside salesforce to provide product options to customers in order to win the category and gain wallet share of complex projects. This role leads the Senior Analyst, Pro Merchandising to drive merchandising strategy and business growth. Key Responsibilities 10% Assortment Selection – Partner with IPR and core merchandising to ensure product is available to support Outside Sales initiatives. Execute business review of category on a regular basis to determine changes to product mix and better optimize Pro assortment within Flatbed Distribution Centers and Direct Fulfillment Centers. 15% Cross-Functional Communication and Support – Partner with core merchandising to ensure assortment, inventory, and pricing strategies are aligned to support the complex Pro purchase. Provide excellent customer service by responding to the outside salesforce with a sense of urgency. Collaborate with the outside sales team to understand Pro customer needs and provide tailored product solutions. 10% Financial Planning & Management – Implement financial strategy and cost structure for assigned Pro category and set pricing. 15% People Leadership – Lead and mentor the Senior Analyst, Pro Merchandising, providing guidance and support for development to drive results for the organization. 20% Pro Merchandising Strategy – Implement strategy for assigned category in partnership with Pro Merchandising leadership to best sell, source, and deliver the whole project for Pro customers. 5% Special Projects – Lead creation of new capabilities for assigned category through coordination across cross-functional partners and suppliers. Ensure implementation of key special projects including product knowledge training and supply chain initiatives. 25% Vendor Relationship Management – Create and maintain supplier relationships for an assigned category to provide the outside sales team with best‑in‑class product offerings for Pro customers. Negotiate with suppliers to optimize product selection and pricing. Direct Manager/Direct Reports Reports to Pro Divisional Merchandise Manager. Has 1‑2 direct reports. Travel Requirements Typical overnight travel 5% to 20% of the time. Physical Requirements Most of the time spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about. Rare occasions may require moving or lifting light articles. Working Conditions Located in a comfortable indoor area. Unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable. Minimum Qualifications Must be eighteen years of age or older. Must be legally permitted to work in the United States. Preferred Qualifications Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross‑functional teams. Ability to draw accurate conclusions from financial documentation. Ability to negotiate, handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve grievances with both internal and external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated experience in merchandising, retail planning, and inventory management. Experience managing a large number of regional and national suppliers simultaneously. Comprehensive understanding of relevant products to make purchasing decisions. Proven analytical and execution skills in a merchandising or retail environment. Proven people management skills and leadership ability. Minimum Education High school diploma and/or GED. Preferred Education Bachelor’s degree program or equivalent degree in a field related to the job. Minimum Years Of Work Experience 4 years. Preferred Years Of Work Experience 5 years. Minimum Leadership Experience No previous leadership experience. Preferred Leadership Experience No previous leadership experience. Certifications None. Competencies Action Oriented Collaborates Ensure Accountability Communicates Effectively Customer Focus Develops Talent Drives Results Financial Acumen Strategic Mindset #J-18808-Ljbffr The Home Depot