Region Director, Merchandising

Job Summary The Region Director of Merchandising drives Sysco Specialty company’s product, supplier, and sourcing strategy to meet revenue and margin goals. Lead a team of merchandisers responsible for the growth of revenue and margin in specific product categories, a business analytics team focused on performance reporting and customer targeting, a site content team maintaining accurate content and pricing, and supply chain management. Responsibilities Build, manage and develop regional merchandising teams through regular department meetings; ongoing interaction & communication; monitor associate morale; and respond to ideas to improve associate engagement and enablement. Interpret, train, and consistently reinforce company policies, procedures, and tools. Work with logistics to optimize supplier shipping performance. Manage item cost (product and freight) accuracy. Lead efforts with merchandisers to obtain vendor marketing spend. Make decisions based on reporting and provide status and timelines to key merchandising team members and company management. Head and inspire teams to deliver high‑quality category strategies. Establish a strategy and category financial forecasting with category merchandisers for each category. Direct strategic supplier meetings with category merchandisers. Provide input for marketing, communication, and promotional activities. Set pricing strategy and work with the manager of business analytics to implement and maintain the pricing model. Administer supplier logistics to deliver products effectively and efficiently to customers. Manage inventory spend on stocked products. Manage shrink and approve credits as needed. Study and act upon all market trends, new products, innovation, and niches to drive additional sales and site loyalty. Conduct the supplier rebate table and meet with accounting to forecast annually. Coordinate merchandising training programs for the organization. Manage the buying group relationship and training: GSB Beef Merchandising and SSMG COE Merchandising teams. Transfer knowledge from category management initiatives to the organization to improve the sales and profitability of the company. Work cross‑functionally with sales, marketing, logistics, information technology (IT) and accounting to support goals. Interface with IT development to continually improve the look, feel, and effectiveness of all customer and marketing associate (MA)‑facing websites. Integrate with IT operations to ensure all systems are performing at acceptable levels, bandwidth issues do not arise, data support is at or above customer expectations, platform redundancy and emergency preparedness plans are in place. Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree sufficient to successfully perform essential job functions. 8+ years management/professional experience. Significant category management, merchandising and/or operations experience within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment preferred. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree Strong Excel skills Professional Skills Ability to build high‑performing teams & enable a culture of best practices Ability to manage conflict and reach quick resolution with facts and dialogue Ability to work cross‑functionally and build relationships across the organization/enterprise Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of different backgrounds Demonstrated ability to adapt to and lead change Proactive attitude of identifying and addressing issues as they arise Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment Strong written & verbal communication skills Ability to develop & implement innovative strategies to maximize sales & gross profit potential while driving customer loyalty & Sales Consultant engagement Ability to successfully perform job requirements in a remote work environment Travel Requirement 1 – 3 times per month to sites within region. Up to 50% travel may be required for this role. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Work Conditions The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. #J-18808-Ljbffr