Director, Merchandising

Position Overview The Director of Merchandising is responsible for establishing short‑term and long‑term strategic plans for the merchandising team for the assigned portfolio, in conjunction with executive leadership. The Director provides leadership and direction to develop strategy and create sales and margin‑driving programs and events that lead to strong sales for Independent retail customers with corresponding on‑target sales and gross profit for C&S. The Director will be responsible for the execution of merchandising initiatives and business development plans for categories while leading merchandising teams to ensure the integrity of established initiatives. The Director is responsible for the merchandising P&L and overall margin contribution for their assigned portfolio(s) and region(s). The Director will interact directly with vendors and suppliers to build relationships and negotiate best‑in‑class cost and promotional support for the company and our Independent customers. The Director is responsible for leading and implementing category strategies, leveraging scale, building strategic vendor relationships to support financial growth, and meeting Regional customer needs. The Director will lead and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet the needs of the ever‑changing competitive landscape through innovation, strategic planning, and continued development and training for merchandising teams. Strategy Implementation / Plan of Action Execute plans and initiatives to achieve set goals and strategic direction for the merchandising function. Responsible to lead merchandising teams with a customer‑first mindset and ensure regional needs and selling opportunities are fully embedded in strategies and target setting. Drive strategic negotiations with external vendors to build portfolio share. Build long‑term strategic relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. Execute category planning process across assigned product portfolio of responsibility, including development and implementation of category plans; leveraging insights in order to formulate key strategies and category initiatives to achieve incremental sales and margin growth. Responsible to negotiate cost, assortment, and promotional strategies reflective of assigned regional Independent customer needs. Develop recommended pricing strategy for Independent Retail Customers to ensure delivery of agreed upon gross margin targets. Financial Management Manage a full P&L, including planning, forecasting and driving growth for assigned categories, possessing a complete understanding of internal and external variables that impact the business. Perform monthly verification of plans and provide explanation for variances in budgeted sales / gross profit & other metrics as well as provide projections for upcoming month. Accountable for the strategic development, planning, costing, execution and financial performance for assigned categories across the total business. Develop plans to close gaps and improve sale / margin performance year on year. Review competitive cost and pricing information and lead negotiations with vendors / brokers for best cost and targeted margin performance for assigned regions. Oversight & Execution Implement strategies to drive business improvements, innovation, and scale within the category and across the Independent Retail business. Identify industry trends relevant to customer selection and experience leveraging competitive insights and internal and external benchmarks and syndicated data. Collaborate on Sales, Marketing, and Merchandising initiatives with Promotional Planning managers and the Commercial team to ensure regional needs including seasonal selling and local events are included in overall strategy and vendor negotiations. Innovate and implement new customer and vendor programs. Share market intelligence, best practices and provide category expertise to improve cost, drive efficiencies and minimize potential supply chain risks. Provide direction / management of all assigned categories in the areas of cost, assortment, and promotional strategies. Proactively assess and manage commodity market risk to the organization and negotiate terms & conditions consistent with corporate objectives, standards and ethics, while delivering best overall value. Perform SKU rationalization of categories and work with suppliers to continually offer the right assortment to customers. Collaborate with Category Merchandising to validate assortment and ensure new items, promoted items and best fit the retail environment and across each region and ensure best placement in POGs. Meet with Regional Customers to understand perspectives on product, placement, price and promotion from Independent customers and their shoppers. Work with Marketing Department or Advertising / Promotions to drive incremental sales and margin for assigned portfolio. Vendor Management Identify leverage opportunities and interact with procurement to negotiate contracts, supply agreements and/or programs to achieve the lowest possible acquisition costs (cost of goods). Review solicitations from potential suppliers to determine if potential product and relationship is beneficial for the company considering lowest cost, quality and ability to meet demand and promotional needs for Independent retail business. Ensure efficient item assortment as well as manage supplier in‑stock concerns and aged inventory exit strategies. Lead teams and act as subject‑matter expert to support regional customer needs for cost, pricing and promotional strategies. Review and work with Buying & Transportation groups and manufacturers to resolve out‑of‑stock issues. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with representatives and senior management of suppliers. Management, Coaching & Leadership Develop team members within your area. Create success through development of personnel. Work with Vice President to develop near, mid and long term organizational structure. Responsible for the hiring, development and leadership of a team of hourly and/or salaried associates. Travel Required Yes (20‑30% of the time). Skills Specialized Knowledge: Superior analytical and quantitative skills, comfortable with complex financial data; experienced in vendor negotiations, pricing and promotions, inventory management and product development; deep understanding of financial methodology to determine costs, develop annual business plans and oversee key daily metrics (sales, volume, inventory, costs, etc.). Special Skills: Track record of delivering results, setting strategy and running a large volume and high‑profile business; superior communications skills – speaking, writing, presenting and negotiating; high threshold for working in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments – figuring it out and adapting as you go; ability to operate simultaneously and effectively in both tactical and strategic modes; superior relational skills. Physical Abilities: Travel 20‑30% of the time. Years Of Experience 10‑15 years of experience in the food or grocery industry. 10+ years of negotiation and vendor management, in one or more large categories, hiring and managing teams. 5+ years of relevant leadership experience in the food or grocery industry. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree – Business. Safety Requirement Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC. EEO Statement C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. The Company provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.