Seasonal Product Merchant

Seasonal Product Merchant

JOB PURPOSE: To deliver on the mission of Wilco by profitably providing superior customer service.

JOB SUMMARY: Develop and maintain vendor and merchandise programs. Evaluate, select & position brands and items. Shop competitors and manage category regular and special pricing. Plan and direct merchandise category presentation.

REPORTS TO: Senior Product Merchant

Responsibilities:

• Develops, negotiates and maintains vendor and merchandise programs (payment terms, inventory position, rebate, pricing, marketing allowances, returns, etc) for all merchandise in assigned categories.
• Evaluates, selects and positions brands and items for sale in retail farm stores to ensure successful product mix and assortment.
• Plans, leads and directs merchandise presentation in assigned categories.
• Establishes, maintains, and updates regular and special retail pricing to maximize available margins.
• Participates in marketing planning, selects merchandise, prices and proofs category advertising.
• Leads store Department Managers team through meetings, conference calls and direct visits.
• Leads & coordinates store and customer training in assigned categories.
• Maintains system file maintenance including costs, vendor, and order information through coordination with File Maintenance Specialist.
• Work closely with Store Managers, Replenishment buyers and the DC staff to maintain open, organized, merchandise coordination.
• Communicates category plans and execution strategy to store level.
• Completes scheduled Category Business Reviews on a cyclical basis, and develops comprehensive category business plans.
• Responsible for achieving sales and gross margin budgets for assigned categories.
• Consults on strategic positioning for new product launches and development of presentations for our customers.
• Optimize marketing actions by analyzing/evaluating competitive activities on regional/market basis; provide recommendations on appropriate activities to achieve increased market share.
• Prepares and submits statistical reports, graphic illustrations of findings, and action plan recommendations to Merchandise and Marketing Manager as well as Senior Management. Shop competitors by phone and in person to ensure competitive prices in assigned departments.
• Attend and effectively work shows and activities supporting assigned categories.
• Participate in regular and special meetings.
• Participate in coordination of buying and ordering in assigned categories.

Special Skills/Training:

• Knowledge of computer inventory systems operation and associated software.
• Skill to operate computer, fax, copy machine and other automated office machines.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers and co-workers.
• Strong understanding of farm store operations/merchandising.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, decision making, and leadership skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop tactics and manage execution to ensure deadlines are met.

Experience/Education:

• High School education required, four year degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Two plus (2+) years of category development, sales analysis experience.
• Require strong quantitative skills including proficiency in syndicated data analysis.
• Candidates must have an in depth knowledge of market research methodologies, models, and tools.
• Four (4 +) years of Retail, with at least two (2 +) years Retail Shelf Merchandising.
• Strong MS Office skills.
• Working/advanced Activant system knowledge preferred.
• Prior Store Department Layout development experience.
• Two (2+) years of specific category assignment experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional bag/bale lifting.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires the ability to work on-site at our headquarters in Mt. Angel, Oregon several days per month.
• Candidates must reside within our trade area to support this expectation.
• Remote flexibility may be available on remaining workdays, subject to business needs.
• Occasional travel to retail locations, and trade shows, including extended overnight.

About Wilco:

Dating back to the early 1930s, Wilco, a growing retailer, has stood the test of time by maintaining focus on our values and never losing our passion for customer service. Wilco is progressive and unlike the standard "farm store". With a variety of departments, including Garden, Pet and Animal Supply, Hardware, Paint, Clothing, and Pet Grooming, partnered with personalized service, our customers consider Wilco a preferred retail destination. Wilco has been named a Top Workplace in Oregon and SW Washington by the Oregonian from 2012 - 2023. We are dedicated to our team and attribute this distinction to them. Hiring Veterans / Military Friendly.

Wilco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize and encourage the valuable and enriching contributions that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring to our organization. As a values-based cooperative, we believe all individuals should be treated on the basis of merit without prejudice.