Retail Merchandising Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Merchandising leads the development and execution of merchandising strategies for food categories to drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This role oversees assortment planning, pricing, promotions, supplier partnerships, and category performance while ensuring alignment with business objectives and consumer trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies for food categories.
• Manage product assortment, category mix, and shelf optimization.
• Analyze sales, margins, inventory, and market trends to drive category performance.
• Lead pricing, promotion, and seasonal merchandising initiatives.
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers, negotiating costs, terms, and promotional support.
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Store teams to ensure effective execution.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast demand to maximize availability and minimize waste.
• Identify new product opportunities and emerging consumer trends.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop merchandising team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of merchandising, category management, or buying experience, preferably in food retail or FMCG.
• Proven experience managing large product categories and supplier negotiations.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and leadership skills.

Key Skills

• Category Management
• Merchandising Strategy
• Supplier & Vendor Management
• Pricing & Promotions
• Demand Forecasting
• Financial & Margin Analysis
• Negotiation
• Leadership & Team Development
• Market & Consumer Insights