Job Description

The Assistant Merchandise Manager will support the Merchandise Manager, Specialty Foods in all aspects of product development, assortment planning and communication. The Assistant Merchandise Manager is also accountable for assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle. This position plays a key role in contributing to the achievement of sales and margin goals by achieving the financial goals and strategic objectives of an area of the business.

Major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of executive management

• Support product development, internal and external; assortment planning; and profitability goals of the department providing timely analyses and accurate reporting.
• Support Merchandise Manager in communicating related product information to all cross functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Customer Service, Product Development).
• Independently manage an area of the business; lead assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations, and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to remove low contributing products from the assortment.
• Ensure company and vendor deadlines are met through timely communication and asset acquisition (photo samples, product information, enclosures, product tasting samples).
• Partner with inventory management team to assure that products are delivered in a timely manner to minimize out of stocks and lost sales.
• Manage all system requirements, including assortment planning, item set ups, product information, price changes, others as needed.
• Track and evaluate expiring merchandise; prepare recommendations for appropriate action to resolve immediate issues and eliminate expiring product in the future.
• Participate in product tastings to determine placement in the assortment and/or to change product for production efficiencies.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of key competitor’s product and promotional trends and best merchandising practices in catalog, online, and direct marketing channels.
• Assist in managing vendor relationships and external partner communication.
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences, trade shows, and educational opportunities as appropriate; reading professional publications; maintaining professional networks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising, Business or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years related experience in project management or a buying department.
• Experience in gourmet food, gifting, and luxury goods desired.
• Ability to analyze reports and draw conclusions/ recommendations.
• Strong coordination skills, ability to multi-task and manage to a deadline.
• Ability to work with multiple teams, vendors, partners and management.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly in Excel required.
• Strong presentation skills required. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people and with all levels of management.

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