Divisional Vice President of Merchandising

About Us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 130 locations across 13 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How We Reward You

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

What You’ll Do

As the Divisional Vice President of Merchandising, you will lead and inspire a team of merchandising professionals to drive innovation, maximize profitability, and align strategies with Rural King’s vision and long-term objectives. Your leadership will shape product selection, pricing strategies, and promotional activities to meet customer needs and exceed company goals. This role combines strategic planning, operational excellence, and hands-on collaboration to ensure sustainable growth and market competitiveness across all product categories.

• Lead a divisional merchandising team to create value, drive continuous improvement, and provide realized savings to product categories.
• Drive revenue and budgeting responsibilities.
• Develop clear and measurable goals to ensure sustainable growth.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to determine competitive prices and promotional activities of a product category.
• Travel, as business dictates, to Rural King locations, vendors, partners, and abroad.
• Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities For Success

• At least 5 years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Demonstrated behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.
  
  

The pay range for this position is $135,000 - $190,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.