Regional Merchandising Manager

Retail

POSITION SUMMARY

The Regional Merchandising Manager will oversee all merchandising initiatives across multiple store locations. This role requires managing the design and implementation of merchandising strategies, ensuring they align with sales data, store layouts, and customer needs. The ideal candidate will be experienced in managing crews, analyzing data, and collaborating across teams to deliver projects that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Execution:

  • Implement planograms (POGs) provided by Ace Hardware and adapt them as necessary to align with each store’s layout and sales trends.
  • Analyze store-specific data to determine optimal placement of fixtures and products, presenting recommendations to buyers, the executive team, and store managers.
  • Collaborate with store teams to maintain an exceptional customer experience during project execution.

Team and Crew Management:

  • Manage crews, which could include but is not limited to temporary workers, store employees, and other personnel, working closely with store managers to allocate resources effectively.
  • Oversee crew activities, including scheduling, training, and on-site supervision, ensuring high performance and adherence to project timelines.
  • Provide guidance and training to all team members involved in merchandising projects.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation:

  • Track and manage budgets for labor and fixtures, ensuring optimal use of resources.
  • Identify and source appropriate fixtures that balance functionality and cost-efficiency.
  • Provide detailed budget reports to the executive team for review and approval.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

  • Analyze sales data to recommend product placement adjustments and discontinuations.
  • Prepare and present data-backed proposals for major merchandising changes, obtaining necessary approvals before implementation.
  • Monitor the performance of merchandising strategies and adjust plans as needed.

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work closely with the executive team, buyers, and store managers to align merchandising strategies with business goals.
  • Partner with other departments to accomplish cross-functional tasks related to merchandising projects.
  • Clearly communicate ideas, plans, and progress to all stakeholders.

Travel and On-Site Oversight:

  • Travel up to 50%+ of the time to oversee merchandising projects across all store locations.
  • Oversee remodels lasting 6-8 weeks, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
  • Handle travel-related expenses with reimbursement according to company policy.

Customer-Centric Focus:

  • Ensure all merchandising activities minimize disruptions to the customer experience in open stores.
  • Collaborate with store personnel to maintain high levels of customer service during projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in retail merchandising, project management, or related fields.
  • Proven experience managing crews, which could include temporary workers, store employees, and other personnel.
  • Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides), and data analysis.
  • Experience with project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project).
  • Ability to present data-driven recommendations effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Willingness to travel extensively (up to 80%) and manage long-term on-site projects (Travel expense reimbursement.).

PREFERRED SKILLS :

  • Knowledge of CAD software for layout planning and design.
  • Experience in hardware or similar retail environments.

Company Introduction

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.