SUPERVALU started in the supply chain and wholesale distribution business and in subsequent years we’ve grown to include traditional and hard discount grocery retail formats. We are currently looking for a Director of Sales and Merchandising in Stillwater, MN.
The Director of Sales and Merchandising will be responsible for directing the development of overall Produce Retail Banner strategy. This person will also support the five strategic imperatives while leveraging the size of the Company to develop consumer-focused category business plans to increase market share, sales, and profitability through fact based information: consumer, competitive and intra-company best practices and trends. The ideal candidate will foster a mindset of continuous improvement in every process, product and person.
- Directs the development of departmental annual & quarterly marketing strategy and marketing plan based on evaluation of past performance, consumer/competitive/company trends and market place SWOT.
- Oversees development of new products, programs, and processes to achieve and maintain industry leadership within category.
- Establishes, manages and delegates quarterly sales targets by desks and delivers against plans.
- Directs the establishment of pricing strategy and goals by category by market place / zone.
- Reviews competitive activity and set strategy across categories. Reviews past programming efficiency and effectiveness with Category Manager.
- Directs development of communication to stores / operations and management on category financials, weekly programming, and success stories.
- Reviews recommendations and action by Category Manager regarding Division on competitive activity, P&L tracking, operational, & vendor issues.
- Drives collaboration between Category Management and Strategic Sourcing.
- Reviews and reports weekly, quarterly and yearly scorecards to determine results of sales and gross profit dollars for department to plan.
- Reviews annual and quarterly financial goals, targets and promotional programs by category and division and directs appropriate action.
- Reviews and provides feedback on category business plans as created by Category Managers.
- Meets with strategic vendors to review category performance and competitive / consumer trends.
- Directs development of strategies / tactics to address opportunities and establishes category scorecards.
- Reviews and provides final approval of overall assortment based on closing schedule / review schematics.
- Works with marketing to develop pricing strategies.
- Drives creation and implementation of 52 week promotion calendar.
- Provides strategic direction regarding department adjacencies and merchandising standards.
- Conducts regular market visits including company stores and competition.
Scope
Number of Associates Supervised: Directly 1-6 Indirectly 0
People Responsibilities:
Category Managers Up to 5
Department Specialists Up to 5
Scope Data:
- Sales
- Gross Margin
- Product/Program Development
- Shrink Management
- Market Basket Penetration
- Category Penetration
- Bachelor’s degree preferred. A degree in Business, Marketing or related field preferred.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.
- Produce Experience required
- Possess 10 plus years of field or relevant business experience where a solid understanding of marketing, merchandising, consumer research and financial management practices have been gained. Five years of food retail management experience for relevant category.
- In-depth understanding of store operations, merchandising methodologies and practices, including P&L and financial management, and advertising strategies.
- Proven strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Excellent financial, mathematical, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and consumer research background to read, interpret, and understand how internal and external factors influence financial results.
- Ability to make timely decisions and have a bias for action and speed.
- Advanced ability to read and interpret profit and loss statement and understand how the categories managed are affected.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and experienced in taking initiative and making decisive yet appropriate decisions.
- Excellent planning, project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the company.
- Advanced strategy development skills.
- Excellent relationship management skills.
- Complete understanding of Category Business Planning.
- Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, logistics, and inventory management.
- Possess high degree of initiative, creative, innovative, proactive skills and abilities.
- High level of analytical and financial skills.
- Understanding of manufacturing cost structures.
- Experience in negotiating contracts.
- Computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to manage people.
Physical Environment
- Majority of the work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
- Position requires frequent travel and visits to stores.
- Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
- Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
