Merchandising Specialist

Position Purpose

Responsible for working with Associate Merchants to select items for product lines for review; optimize assortment using data

and financial projections. Work with the respective merchandising team to implement the appropriate supplier strategy. Responsible for working with the omni channel merchants to select items for product lines for review; optimizes assortment using data and financial projections. Works with merchandising team to implement the appropriate category and/or supplier strategy.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities And Key Accountabilities

• Assists the omni channel merchants with selecting, negotiating and pricing of stock and specialized merchandise.
• Conducts and facilitates vendor meetings and negotiations.
• Accountable for SKU maintenance, VBA maintenance, vendor digital assets (product images, SDS, & marketing materials), merchandise and vendor POS reporting.
• Works closely with internal marketing team on website, catalogs, mailers, and other marking mediums. Reviews the revisions from the marketing team and verifies pricing and product details are correct.
• Restocks replacement products and/or makes recommendations on replacement products.
• Assists omni channel merchants with reviews and analysis of competitive market data on category and assortment performance.
  
  

Nature and Scope

• Works in compliance with established procedures and/or protocols. Identifies and resolves readily identifiable, clearly defined problems. Demonstrates skill in data analysis and techniques by resolving missing/incomplete information and inconsistencies/anomalies in routine research/data.
• Nature of work requires general supervision; exercises judgment. May be paired with a mentor. Work typically involves regular process checks or review of output by a coworker and/or supervisor.
• May provide general guidance/direction to or train junior level support personnel.
  
  

Work Environment

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.
• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Certification may be required in some areas. Generally 0-2 years of experience in a related field OR MS/MA and generally 0-1 year of experience in a related field.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in vendor management and negotiation.
• Experience with ERP and data management (MDM).
• Experience with MRO or other industry-related experience
• Experience in merchandising strategy, site merchandising, inventory management and vendor management.
• Able to effectively perform job duties in a fast-paced environment.
• Assist Lead Merchant(s) in portfolio management of assigned product categories.
• Provide day-to-day management of assigned product categories, to include SKU additions/maintenance, marketing programs and sales support.
• Understand market dynamics, product applications and competitive landscape.
• Support all aspects of promotion, sales tools creation, demand generation campaigns and sales training.
• Build strong collaborative relationship with other members of the Merchandising, Procurement, Marketing and eCommerce Teams and Business Development Managers to achieve business goals.
• Actively participate in supplier pricing negotiations. Support all trade show and event activity as required. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate manager and/or executive leadership.
• Knowledge of NetSuite a plus, Intermediate or higher-level knowledge of Excel.
• Ability and poise to interact with all functional areas of the business unit.
• Strong business acumen, BS degree and water/wastewater industry experience preferred.
  
  

About Core & Main

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain and fire protection products in the United States. Operating approximately 320 branches nationwide, the company combines local expertise with a national supply chain to provide contractors and municipalities innovative solutions for new construction and aging infrastructure. Core & Main’s 4,500 plus associates are committed to the safe distribution of water and fire protection to help communities thrive. Visit www.coreandmain.com to learn more.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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