Retail Merchandising Project Manager implements the fresh department's merchandising and retail strategies to maximize sales & profit contributions for this category. Supports the execution of assortment, promotional, pricing and presentation strategies working together, as needed, with the Director of Customer Experience, merchandising team, retail operations team and licensees. Emphasis on coordinating appropriate training programs that will successfully build the infrastructure for proper execution of our fresh program at store level.
Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities - Coordinate merchandising strategies across the Fresh department to grow top line sales and gross profit
- Assist in the creation of annual category business plan for the Fresh department, which could include assortment, ads, promotional activities, etc.
- Train and coach appropriate corrective actions to reduce shrink and maximize yield, particularly in meat cutting stores both corporate and licensee
- Communicate with merchandising, and operations to implement improvements of our standards to better maximize fresh execution including cold chain integrity, cooler conditions, product ordering, cutting standards, labor usage, etc.
- Assist merchandising in the execution of strategic plans to grow sales and profits in ethnic markets by utilizing supporting data and market research
- Travel to store locations to advise Fresh departments with planograms, strategic initiatives and display plans
- Ensure local relevancy through coordinating regional assortment/merchandising
- Work directly with Director and DC Managers, QAI, and Inventory Control, to make necessary recommendations to improve and enhance Save-A-Lot meat programs for retailers and corporate groups
- Train and counsel field and store associates. Refresh training materials, partner with Training and Development to achieve a high level training program in both e-learning, one on one interaction and group seminars
Minimum Requirements Job Requirements Relevant Experience, Education, Certification, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Two to Five years' experience in Meat Retail/Wholesale operations, meat procurement experience a plus
- Bachelor's degree preferred; not required if have extensive experience as listed above
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with particular ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, field staff and licensees
- Microsoft office proficient
- Previous experience coordinating operational programs from the ground up
- Previous experience building successful promotional plans/activities that built profitable sales
- Previous training experience a plus
Physical Requirements - Some travel may be required, depending on assigned area
- Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment, store environment, and may also include meat and produce coolers with cold temperatures
- Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
- Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
