PURPOSE: To manage department product assortment, pricing, and promotions. To facilitate communications across business units and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve co-op and department merchandising objectives.

REPORTS TO: Purchasing Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitate teamwork and communications across business units
• Engage stakeholders for input and make decisions regarding product assortment, pricing, and promotions
• Manage vendor relationships and investigate new sources of supply to meet store needs
• Negotiate with suppliers and brokers for favorable prices, terms, and service.
• Propose new vendors to Purchasing Director
• Ensure that product assortment across locations follows co-op standards and meets co-op objectives for growth, margin, brand, price image and mission
• Approve the addition or discontinuation of products and submit updates to Scanning
• Track and respond to customer product requests
• Analyze demographics, product performance data, customer requests, industry trends, and staff insights to maximize product assortments
• Utilize a category management calendar and track results of assortment changes
• Facilitate the communication of product and promotional information to staff.
• Facilitate monthly purchasing and buyers meetings to ensure thorough communication across the organization
• Coordinate with merchandising and store staff to achieve department merchandising objectives
• Contribute merchandising content for staff training materials as needed
• Contribute to development of department pricing strategy. Update costs and set prices to meet margin objectives and ensure consistent and up-to-date pricing at all locations
• Complete quarterly price surveys and maintain a competitive price image
• Contribute to creating planograms; facilitate cross-merchandising and resets
• Maintain a department promotional calendar, select items to be promoted, and meet all deadlines associated with co-op promotions programs
• Provide timely, relevant and up-to-date content for marketing materials including content for written media, the website, and social media updates
• Coordinate product storage with CPW
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Purchasing Director

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Ability to handle multiple demands, organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to self-direct.
• Creative problem solving skills.
• Organization, accuracy, and strong attention to detail.
• Experience managing product assortment, vendors, pricing, promotions, and displays.
• Knowledge of natural foods industry, topics such as organics, GMOs, fair trade, etc. and Wellness sub departments including supplements, body care, and general merchandise.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve margin objectives.
• Ability to analyze and interpret sales data.
• Willingness and ability to meet evolving job requirements.
• Literacy with Windows - based PC software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work with customers and coworkers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work with TCCP to create an inclusive environment where all are welcomed.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to travel regularly between store locations
• Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods of time per shift
• Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation

Twin Cities Co-op Partners has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other status category by applicable law. People with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.