Merchant

Merchandising Manager (Category Manager/Senior Merchant)

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. This wholesaler is a stable company with deep roots, long tenure, and a fantastic culture committed to delivering exceptional value to clients.

As the Merchandising Manager, you will play a crucial role in contributing to profitability through effective product, vendor, and database management. This senior level role 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.

Overall, this role 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

• 7 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.
• 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: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000