Merchandising Manager

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Merchandising Manager in Newark, NJ area! Responsibilities Develop and execute category merchandising strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, inventory productivity, and market competitiveness. Design, implement, and maintain standardized planograms that optimize product placement, maximize sales opportunities, and deliver a consistent customer experience. Ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards, promotional displays, signage, seasonal programs, and in‑store initiatives across all locations. Partner with store leadership and field teams to align merchandising priorities and ensure compliance with established standards and expectations. Analyze sales, gross margin, inventory, shrink, and operational performance metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Develop and implement action plans to enhance financial performance through margin optimization, inventory management, and cost‑control initiatives. Create and manage sales forecasts, inventory plans, and replenishment strategies to reduce out‑of‑stocks while minimizing excess inventory. Maintain accountability for achieving established financial, operational, and category performance objectives. Develop and execute competitive pricing strategies that support company goals, customer value perception, and market positioning. Collaborate with Marketing to plan, coordinate, and execute promotional campaigns, advertising programs, and seasonal merchandising initiatives. Monitor pricing effectiveness, customer purchasing behaviors, and market trends to continuously refine pricing and promotional strategies. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure product quality, availability, and cost efficiency. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supplier agreements to support profitability and business objectives. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including distribution partners and centralized support teams, to ensure seamless product sourcing and execution. Serve as the primary liaison between Merchandising, Marketing, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Store Operations teams. Communicate strategic priorities and execution expectations to field merchants and store leadership to ensure consistent implementation. Support enterprise‑wide initiatives, category strategies, and special projects that drive organizational performance and growth. Ensure field teams regularly assess and maintain planogram compliance and merchandising standards during store visits. Monitor key performance indicators, including sales, payroll, shrink, inventory levels, and execution metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed. Review and leverage execution tools, scorecards, dashboards, and reporting systems to drive accountability and follow‑through. Champion improvements in customer satisfaction and associate engagement through operational excellence and effective execution. Ensure compliance with all company policies, regulatory requirements, and safety standards at the local, state, and federal levels. Maintain adherence to food safety, operational, and workplace safety programs and procedures. Support audit readiness through disciplined execution, accurate documentation, and consistent operational compliance across all locations. Requirements 3+ years of retail management experience in merchandising, category management, or store operations Proven ability to drive sales and profitability through merchandising strategies Experience in inventory management, forecasting, and shrink control Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive decisions Familiarity with retail systems, POS, and inventory management tools Food safety certification preferred (if applicable to category) #J-18808-Ljbffr The Judge Group, INC.