Merchandiser

Company Overview

Founded in 1929, Heinen’s is a premier grocery store chain noted for its quality products and outstanding customer service. Heinen’s has now welcomed the fourth generation of owners into the company, which operates 23 stores (19 in Cleveland, Ohio and 4 in Chicago, Illinois), two distribution warehouses, one food production plant, and a corporate office (all located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate within the organization. We offer this through a competitive compensation package, professional development and leadership opportunities, paid time off, and balanced work schedules.

Job Overview

The Packaged Goods Merchandiser plays a key role in the development and execution of operational best practices within the Grocery and Dairy Departments. This position is responsible for analyzing sales and margin performance, shrink reduction strategies, and store improvement initiatives. Additionally, the Packaged Goods Merchandiser provides coaching and support to store teams to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular store visits to assess and provide guidance on department functions, processes, merchandising execution, associate scheduling, shelf integrity, and inventory management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with department managers, General Managers, and Store Directors to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Lead Heinen’s Direct Store Delivery (DSD) operating practices, serving as a subject matter expert for DSD receivers and Sales Floor Owners.
• Collaborate with Packaged Goods Category Managers, Buyers, and external vendors to optimize distributor supply chain performance.
• Provide leadership and support to order writers and grocery managers on best practices for daily ordering, ad-based ordering, and shelf condition management.
• Work closely with category managers to prioritize and oversee the execution of category resets.
• Identify and implement labor efficiencies through process optimization, improved ordering practices, and enhanced merchandising strategies.
• Analyze sales and margin data for grocery, dairy, and frozen categories, developing actionable insights to improve performance and reduce shrink.
• Serve as a resource for remodels and new store openings, ensuring operational standards and merchandising excellence.
• Develop and facilitate technical training materials and sessions for department managers, DSD Floor Owners, and Order Writers.
• Lead regular department meetings to share best practices, provide updates on new initiatives, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic decision-making regarding space allocation and innovative merchandising opportunities.
• Support the ongoing implementation of shelf planning software and future advancements in computer-assisted ordering systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grocery, dairy, or frozen operations with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) operations preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative mindset, working effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and develop associates while driving operational improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  
  

Heinen’s, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.