Associate Merchant - Hydration

Position Summary As an Associate Merchant, you will support category management by facilitating supplier negotiations, managing purchase orders, and resolving supplier issues to ensure accurate product setup across stores and online channels. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience through effective communication and merchandising strategies. Utilizing data analysis, you will contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and promotional planning while supporting modular assortment execution. This role demands a detail-oriented approach to drive business results, maintain compliance, and foster strong vendor relationships, all while aligning with Walmart’s commitment to operational excellence and customer focus. About the team Our team leads the Hydration category at Walmart, focusing on strategic assortment, supplier partnerships, and trend identification to drive growth. We operate in a dynamic environment, delivering innovative and differentiated products through omni-channel execution. Collaborating closely with merchandising, replenishment, operations, marketing and suppliers, the team develops scalable solutions that enhance customer experiences while maintaining strong financial performance and inventory productivity. This role supports category strategy, vendor management and data-driven decision-making to ensure operational excellence and sustained business success. What you’ll do Support supplier negotiations and manage purchase orders for assigned categories. Assist merchants in resolving supplier issues and setting up new suppliers for stores and online. Ensure accuracy and quality of product page content, collaborating with merchandising and modular teams. Analyze sales and category performance data to support forecasting, budgeting and inventory planning. Execute customer communication and education programs in stores, enhancing shopper experience. Implement category features and promotional strategies across channels. Leverage data analysis tools to generate insights and support decision-making. Collaborate cross-functionally to align category strategies with business objectives. What you’ll bring Proven experience in vendor relationship management and supplier negotiations within retail or related sectors. Strong skills in category strategy development and execution to support business growth and customer needs. Proficiency in data analysis and business analysis to inform decision-making and optimize category performance. Ability to manage product assortment and pricing strategies aligned with organizational financial targets. Experience collaborating cross-functionally to resolve supplier issues and support item setup for stores and e-commerce. Aptitude for leveraging digital tools to enhance forecasting, budgeting and sales analysis. Excellent communication and organizational skills to support merchandising and promotional activities. At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms. For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart( The annual salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $130,000.00. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include : Stock Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree OR 2 years’ experience in merchandising, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area. Preferred Qualifications Microsoft Office, Negotiating with third-party suppliers, Pricing, site merchandising, planning or inventory, or related area Bachelors: Business, Bachelors: Merchandising Primary Location 1700 Se 5th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment. Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer- By Choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers, and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting, and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, abilities, ideas and opinions- while being inclusive of all people. #J-18808-Ljbffr Walmart