Category Merchandiser

Join our dynamic team as a Category Merchandiser (CM) and play a key role in driving gross margin, profit opportunities, and sales programs with our valued vendor community. We are a leader in the industry, and we're looking for a motivated professional to lead our organization's strategy in assigned categories.
This position requires on-site work at our Pembroke, NH office. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate at their own expense.
Position Overview: As a Category Merchandiser, you will be the primary resource for managing vendor relationships, negotiating buying opportunities, and executing promotional merchandising programs. Your role will be crucial in achieving optimal gross margin targets and ensuring a strategic mix of activities to enhance customer satisfaction.
Position Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Negotiate Gross Margin (GM) buying opportunities with vendors (buys, slotting, logistical).
• Minimize Cost Of Goods Sold to achieve GM targets through strategic pricing initiatives and alternative sourcing.
• Negotiate and execute promotional merchandising programs in alignment with category management principles.
• Drive SKU rationalization to optimize the assortment of brands/items within assigned categories.
• Coordinate with accounting to ensure accurate execution and reconciliation of vendor programs.
• Assist Junior Buyers in setting up and maintaining item and vendor data.
• Study commodity changes to maximize forward/speculative buy activities.
• Assist Buyers in resolving excess inventory or discontinued items.
• Serve as a liaison between vendors, brokers, and internal departments to resolve customer issues.
• Research and design new store-ready merchandising programs.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or two years' related industry experience (wholesale or retail).
• Basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information:
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to contribute to a dynamic organization. The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within our expanding company.
If you are a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and a passion for driving profitability in assigned categories, we invite you to apply for this exciting role.