Assistant Merchant

Summary: The Assistant Merchant I will support the Merchant in the execution of strategies along with growing and learning to develop the long-range business strategy within the area. This role includes strong attention to detail and excellent analytical abilities to assist with vendor communication, inventory productivity management, and marketing of specific lines/categories to significantly improve profitability. The Assistant Merchant I role works at our Headquarters with regular store visits to support our store’s product needs.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Assortment

• Support the Merchant in determining the assortment of products best suited to our customer(s) needs and aligned with the merchandising strategy in each area.
• Assist and execute strategies for stock and special-order items. Responsible for the accuracy of the Vendor Information and Special-Order Information Files

Data Integrity

• Assist in the management the product lifecycle in the creation of new items and execution of clearance strategies as needed. Obtain the necessary information for item creation and maintenance in D365. Maintain data integrity to support sourcing, replenishment, available to promise dates, web product content

Sourcing

• Maintain data related to terms of sale including payment terms, lead time, delivery cadence, minimum order requirements, prepaid freight minimums, etc.

Vendor Relationships

• Develop collaborative relationships with vendors to ensure inquiries are responded to in a timely fashion. Sustain effective communication to perform necessary duties.
• Research and resolve billing inquiries and issues
• Engage in vendor meetings as suitable from discussions with Merchant

Pricing

• Verify pricing (both purchase and retail trade agreements) are correct and as intended
• Ensure the accurate and timely execution of both planned and sale pricing as necessary

Retail Presentation

• Assist Merchant with overall assortment presentation in the stores, managing assortment to business opportunity and space allocation
• Assist in the development of presentation briefs, critical paths or Product Change Notices (PCN) for new or clearance items

Marketing

• Assist Merchant in the development of marketing strategies
• Complete all data inputs needed to successfully execute marketing strategies.
• Audit for accuracy and completeness the marketing inputs
• Ensure signage is completed in a timely manner, following Friedman’s Signage Standards

Miscellaneous

• Additional projects or responsibilities as required by merchant to VP of Merchandising & Replenishment
• All other duties as assigned or as required by the nuances of each merchandise department

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• The successful candidate has exceptional organization skills, keen attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels within the organization and is a resourceful problem solver.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Word, Teams, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint including Vlookups, pivot tables, data comparison tools
• Ability to become proficient in platforms such as D365 and Power BI

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent work experience. Specialized training or related coursework in Retail Administration, Merchandising, Business, or another related field of study desired.

Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience in a retail buying office preferred, or a related merchandising experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work environment will be located at Friedman’s Headquarters in Petaluma, CA.

Physical Demands and Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, work is performed in an indoor office environment. When working in the office, incumbents typically work at a desk, sitting for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will. Standard office equipment, a computer and a variety of office software is used to enter and retrieve data, produce reports and presentation materials, and requires continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member must stoop, balance, and kneel, and use arms, legs, and back to occasionally lift and/or move equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. The Team Member frequently stands, walks, sits, and uses a telephone and personal computer with a VDT screen for extended periods of time. Work requires the ability to adjust focus and use hands and fingers to handle and maneuver objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Verbal communication includes giving instructions, providing information, and responding to questions and may be conducted face to face, on the telephone, over video and in group meetings. Team Member may be required to work shifts, weekends, and/or holidays and travel to various Friedman’s locations and other sites. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

What’s in Friedman’s toolbox for Team Members:

• 401(k) match up to 3% and 50 cents on the dollar for any amount greater than 3% up to 5%
• Medical, Dental and Vision bundled benefit plan
• Team Member discount on all merchandise
• Tuition reimbursement to further career path

Friedman’s Home Improvement is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Friedman’s Home Improvement will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal convictions in a manner consistent with AB 1008.