Head of Retail Merchandising

Rate is one of the nation’s top retail mortgage lenders, delivering a seamless, tech-driven experience that helps customers reach their homeownership and financial goals. C. and has helped over 2 million homeowners with a wide range of loan products, competitive rates and personalized service. From purchases and refinances to tapping into equity, Rate makes financing faster, simpler and less stressful. Our technology — including Same Day Mortgage, the Rate App, FlashClose℠, MyAccount and the Language Access Program — has earned recognition from HousingWire, Scotsman Guide, NerdWallet, the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business. Senior Manager, Corporate Promo Store & Strategic Sourcing

In Office -Location M-F: 3940 N. Compensation: $75-$80k annually, plus quarterly bonus

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Corporate Promo Store & Strategic Sourcing to take full ownership of our internal Corporate Promo Store and operate it as a disciplined, data-driven and profitable business unit.

This role requires a hands-on business operator with strong experience in strategic sourcing, direct manufacturing, vendor negotiations, product costing, inventory management and merchandising.

The ideal candidate will think like an owner understanding what is selling, what is sitting, where we are overpaying, where margins can improve and what actions should be taken to drive stronger financial performance.

Own the Corporate Promo Store end-to-end, with accountability for profitability, margins, inventory performance and cost control.

Negotiate product costs, MOQs, payment terms, production timelines and other commercial terms.

Oversee purchasing and ensure buying decisions are supported by sales, inventory and demand data.

Sitting analysis to identify best sellers, slow-moving products, aging inventory and excess stock.

Improve inventory turns and establish purchasing discipline to prevent unnecessary or excessive inventory.

Evaluate product performance and recommend what should be reordered, reduced, discontinued or added to the assortment.

Manage vendor performance across cost, quality, delivery and service.

Coordinate with internal teams, vendors and fulfillment partners to ensure efficient operations and timely delivery.

Provide leadership with clear reporting on sales, margins, inventory, product performance, vendor costs and cost-saving opportunities.

5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, merchandising, promotional products, retail operations, consumer products or a related field.

• Strong understanding of product costing, gross margins, purchasing and inventory management.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to translate data into business decisions.
• Experience managing merchandise or inventory performance.
• Rate is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reason protected by law.

eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; personal accidental insurance; employee assistance program); and other supplemental benefits (e.g. legal planning assistance;