Overview
The Associate Merchant works cross functionally to improve profitability and fulfill strategic category plan objectives. The position will develop and maintain pricing strategies in coordination with the strategic pricing team. Negotiates with suppliers to secure funding to acquire new customers and retain existing customers across all channels of business. Maximizes margin through SKU mix, promotional activity and negotiated vendor funding. Works cross functionally with the BSD pricing team across multiple departments in bid analysis, customer retention and acquisition initiatives. Evaluates and adjusts to competitive trends. This position will manage the process for running assortment promotions, providing analysis against key sales, margin and inventory metrics, present learnings, and corrective actions to the merchandising leadership team.
Intuitive understanding of promotional activity will enable influence to product forecasting with the inventory team to maximize the promotional effectiveness. Develops and implements product lifecycle management strategies including aged and inventory clearance management.
Primary Responsibilities
- This position has decision making authority within scope of work and categories assigned.
- This role requires a comprehensive understanding all current and future paths to purchase. Necessitating knowledge of key drivers including:
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- Retail store format optimization and brick & mortar shopping experience Web dynamics, digital marketing impacts and mobile experience Contract B2B sales motion, pricing strategies and vertical/customer segmentation
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- Defines and manages process for running assortment promotions and postmortem against key sales, margin, and inventory metrics; incorporates and communicates learnings to leader for assortment, promotion and purchasing decisions
- Makes recommendation on a SKU level basis to help with decisions related to SKU additions, promotional activity, and aged inventory promotional strategy
- Partners with BSD pricing team to maximize margin on bid responses through SKU mix, negotiating vendor funding, and understanding market competition.
- Negotiates/collects vendor funding for new customer bids and promotions.
- Provides product forecasting to the inventory teams to maximize promotional effectiveness. Influences and evaluates inventory health for promotional effectiveness.
- Performs competitive price shop to ensure we are market competitive on web, in store and large customer bids. Evaluates and implements corrective action.
- Works with Solution Insight team to improve profitability.
- Partners with category team members to fulfill category management objectives.
- Develops and maintains pricing relationships in good/better/best pricing and private brand vs national brand pricing in coordination with strategic pricing teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (Business, Merchandising, Operations)
- 2-3 years related experience
- Minimum one year merchandising experience including exposure to vendor negotiations. Finance, marketing, product development, procurement, services, and operations background beneficial
Other Information
- Strong excel and access skills
- Ability to present to all levels of management
- Financial analyst
- Forecasting
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned.
Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule
The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.
How To Apply
Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
At Office Depot, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:
Physical:
- Health Insurance
- Wellness Fairs
- Flu shots
- Fitness & Nutrition Programs
- Ergonomic Support
- Return-to-Work Programs
Emotional:
- Mental Health Benefits
- Support Programs
Work-Life:
- Location Events & Activities
- Onboarding Plan & 'Buddy'
- Recognition & Rewards Programs
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Paid Holidays (as applicable by business unit)
- Paid Time Off
Financial:
- Retirement Programs
- 401(k) Match
- FSA/HSA Pre-Tax Benefits
- HSA Match
- HRA Funding
- Discounts/Perks
- Life/Disability Plans
Community:
- Charitable Giving
- Volunteering & Mentorship
At Office Depot, we offer our benefits around the 5 facets of Total Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, Work-Life, Financial, and Community. Here’s a look into what we offer:
Emotional:
- Employee Assistance Programs
Community:
- Associate Resource Groups focused on Diversity and Inclusion
As the working world continues to evolve, so are we. Shifting from an office supplies retailer to a business services platform is not a simple task, nor is it one we take lightly. It requires the diverse talents and contributions from each and every associate – all driven by our 5C culture of Customer, Commitment, Change, Caring and Creativity. We’re working together to make a difference, challenge the status quo, and be the trusted experts that help our customers manage their businesses. We’ve got 40,000+ associates to date – and we’re always looking to add great talent to our team. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help transform our company to fuel the businesses and communities around us is knocking. Start your #LifeAtDepot and discover how you can be a part of the transformation.
