Cheese Merchandiser (Specialty Team)

Mid-Atlantic Specialty is looking for a Cheese-focused Merchandiser responsible for store level execution - the operational functions designed to support the department, including product mix, pricing strategy, promotional plans, and merchandising directions for the Specialty Department (Cheese, Wine, Chocolate, Coffee, Housewares). We are looking for a dynamic individual to support the teams and contribute to innovative merchandising and service initiatives. This person will be based in our Pennsylvania area market, and will report to the Specialty coordinator.Will Do: Innovation (source, drive, implement and demonstrate consistent execution on new programs). Partner in creating the best Specialty program in the company! Work in conjunction with Regional Coordinator, Buyer and other Merchandisers in all Specialty operations Work with Specialty TLs implementing regional and national programs, core mix, plan-o-grams, merchandising, and marketing programs in line with category plans Keep informed of industry trends in the Specialty categories Review mystery shopping reports periodically and discuss opportunities with individual teams each month Help implement store level Specialty procedures and improve skills to increase sales, comps, margins, and improve overall department impact Understand, execute and teach inventory management, margin control, sales building techniques, and customer service excellence Assist in developing and continuing formalized regional Specialty TL and ATL training programs Troubleshoot margin, labor, and sales challenges as determined by Regional team. Participate in inventories at store level as needed Evaluate team’s operational effectiveness and complete store visit notes with pictures after each visit. Partner with Store Leadership in overall success of Specialty departments. Act as a liaison between regional support and stores Participate in Specialty leadership interviews and job dialogues Act as project leader and execute resets, renovations, and store openings Work with vendors for appropriate store level support Assist in design of new Specialty departments Travel extensively - frequent evenings and weekends
REQUIREMENTS
A minimum two years Specialty team leadership experience or equivalent with proven financial and operational success A strong knowledge of cheese, must also be comfortable speaking about wine, beer, coffee and house wares, knowledge of beer and wine helpful Support from current leadership Positive attitude, sense of humor and a passion for all Specialty products, innovative merchandising and service Experience with re-sets, renovations, and store openings Demonstrated merchandising abilities Computer skills - Excel and Word A vision for the MA regional Specialty future and the desire to mentor Specialty team members and leaders Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills Detail oriented with exceptional follow through Ability to multi- task, meet ongoing deadlines and prioritize Solution Oriented Self motivated with a flexible schedule Ability to meet physical requirements of the job including: Standing or walking for extensive periods of time; ability to bend and lift objects up to 50 pounds Willingness to travel 75% of time or more Pay range begins at $52,000 plus bonuses, commensurate with experience.