Merchandise Director / Category Manager US Midwest A nationwide buying group serving independent farm, home and hardware retailers is seeking an experienced
Merchandise Director / Category Manager to oversee vendor relationships and develop competitive merchandise programs across multiple product categories.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in retail merchandising, retail operations, purchasing or vendor management. Direct buying experience is preferred but not essential. We are equally interested in individuals with retail operations experience who understand the needs of independent retailers and bring a strong personal connection to the farming and rural lifestyle, perhaps through a family farming background.
The successful candidate will understand the farm, home, hardware and outdoor lifestyle markets and enjoy building relationships, negotiating programs and helping independent retailers compete effectively.
Key Responsibilities - Manage relationships and merchandise programs for 300+ vendors, ensuring competitive pricing, accurate product information and attractive purchasing opportunities for member stores.
- Develop and execute category strategies, identifying opportunities to increase sales and grow business.
- Negotiate vendor programs, promotional opportunities and special buys based on market conditions and seasonality.
- Coordinate vendor participation in trade shows and present program benefits to member retailers.
- Regularly meet with vendors to review products, pricing and programs, communicating updates to members through weekly newsletters.
- Identify and evaluate potential new vendors in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Prepare category plans, business reports and presentations, monitoring results against established objectives.
Qualifications - Experience in retail merchandising, retail operations, category management, purchasing, sales or vendor management.
- Direct buying experience is an asset but not a requirement.
- Knowledge of farm, home, hardware or outdoor lifestyle products and an understanding of the rural retail market.
- A personal connection to agriculture or a farming family background would be particularly valuable.
- Strong negotiation, relationship-building and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to identify market opportunities and drive category growth.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to vendor locations, trade shows and member stores.
The Opportunity A competitive compensation package, excellent benefits including a 401(k) match, and the opportunity to work with a nationwide network of independent retailers. Relocation assistance is provided!
If you enjoy merchandising, developing vendor partnerships and creating programs that deliver a competitive advantage, we would like to hear from you.
Video introductions are welcome! Please submit your resume along with any additional information you feel would be helpful in evaluating your experience. All inquiries will receive a response.