Merchandise Manager
North West Atlanta Metro (2 days hybrid work model)
Blue Harlan is the recruitment partner to this private company with multiple business units in distribution, logistics, and goods from supplies to furniture to technology. This wholesaler is a stable company with deep roots, long tenure, and a fantastic culture committed to delivering exceptional value to clients through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. We prioritize collaboration, integrity, and excellence in everything we do.
As the Merchandise Manager, you will play a crucial role in contributing to profitability through effective product, vendor, and database management. Manage merchandising plans and operational systems to achieve financial objectives. Utilizes sales, research, and trend analytics to develop strategies for merchandise categories and optimize product assortments. Develops merchandise plans and pricing that support key strategic initiatives, launches, top sellers, seasonal campaigns, and trends. Partners across functions to manage vendor relationships, identify new vendors, and negotiate favorable contract terms.
You will maximize vendor rebates and incentives to drive profitability and efficiency within the organization. You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end rebate process, ensuring accuracy, controlling costs, managing risks, supporting compliance, and timely execution of rebate programs. Developing and sustaining relationships with critical vendors by communicating and conducting regular reviews of status and issues is crucial to the success of this role. You are the glue and the go to, defining the escalation paths and methods to use to resolve problems. We look to you for clear and actionable feedback to encourage cooperation and drive continuous improvement in vendor performance.
Overall, the role of is crucial in driving sales, profitability, and brand positioning through effective merchandising strategies and execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable rebate terms and agreements.
- Work with cross-functional teams, including procurement, finance, and sales, to ensure alignment and coordination across all aspects of merchandising activities including rebate strategies with business objectives.
- Lead a junior merchandising professional, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and professional growth.
- Stay informed about market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and threats. Use market research and data analysis to inform merchandising decisions and strategy adjustments.
- Use best practices and automation tools to improve accuracy and scalability of rebate management activities.
- Drive the Catalog Review process, within assigned categories, which includes: drop items from the current catalog, add items to the upcoming catalog, vendor information acquisition and management, and recommended page layout and design. Achieve the process commitment date.
- Participate in the analysis and formation of pricing strategy and manage the implementation of such strategy within assigned categories.
- Administer all aspects of vendor rebate programs, including tracking, validation, and reconciliation of rebate claims.
- Manage the private label vendor bidding process, packaging design and product acquisition for assigned products/categories.
- Generate regular reports and dashboards to communicate rebate results and insights to key stakeholders.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance rebate processes and systems to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Qualifications
- 10 + years of experience in vendor rebate management or procurement operations.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to build productive relationships with vendors.
- Ability to understand and apply expert knowledge of nuances with vendor management related to the business strategy.
- Expert knowledge of merchandising logistics and distribution.
- Proficient organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple, overlapping, and potentially conflicting priorities.
- Comfortable in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, BI, product information data center software)
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking.
- Knowledge of rebate accounting principles and compliance requirements.
- Bachelors degree in business, marketing, or related field.
Benefits
Competitive salary
Comprehensive benefits package
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
We look forward to reviewing your application!
This is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $150,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Travel requirement:
Experience:
- Category management: 5 years (Required)
- Pricing: 3 years (Preferred)
- Merchandising: 10 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Ability to Relocate:
- Smyrna, GA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person