The Senior Merchant designs, develops, and executes strategies for complex categories, as determined by established sales, qualitative, and quantitative criteria, in partnership with cross-functional specialist teams that achieve profit and loss deliverables and sell the products customers want at unbeatable prices.
- Merchandise Profit and Loss Management : Accountable for all aspects of merchandise profit and loss management and category financial results for specific categories. Responsibilities include short-term and long-term planning, as well as proactive/reactive management to ensure that forecasts, sales, markdowns, coop collection, market share growth, gross profit, and inventory targets/budgets and pricing are met or exceeded. Communicates/reports results to appropriate cross-functional partners. Reviews post-buy financial analysis and identifies Record of Results for review with cross-functional partners.
- Category Strategy Development and Growth : Develop strategies for multiple formats and departments within large, complex, or high-risk categories and subcategories by identifying relevant trends to meet diverse customer needs. Plan, budget, forecast, and drive growth for categories across both stores and eComm channels, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape. Align category strategies with the merchant framework and portfolio strategies/financials by reviewing multiple data sources. Conduct item-level assortment analysis, make assortment decisions, optimize vendors and SKUs, establish price ladders, and develop private label/brand strategies. Visit both Walmart and competitor stores to build and refine category strategies. Proactively communicate these strategies to leadership and cross-functional teams for effective planning and execution.
- Vendor Management : Establish and influence high-visibility supplier relationships. Initiate, negotiate, and manage vendor agreements, costs, vendor allowances/terms, quality, and delivery terms to drive supplier performance. Develop and maintain vendor relationships, both domestic and overseas.
- Innovation and Improvement : Always look for creative ideas to drive business/ operations improvements, innovation, and customer experience.
- Marketing Management : Responsible for all aspects of marketing for the category, including tab space planning based on historical analysis of results. Work with vendors and internal partners responsible for item-level planning, selection, placement, forecasting, and execution for tabs and other media. Proof final tabs or other media for accuracy and develop exit strategies for any tab inventory residue.
- New Item and Promotional Forecasting : Accountable for new item and promotional forecasts. Identify item deletes, manage and communicate markdowns/markups/price adjustments, and develop exit strategies to ensure necessary adjustments.
- Line Reviews and Modular Planning : Develop and manage new and existing product lines. Prepare and lead all line reviews and deliver store-ready modulars and seasonal sets on time. Complete promotional planning activities. Conduct modular walk-throughs with senior management from cross-functional areas to receive sign-off. Create store communication to ensure flawless execution at the store level.
- Associate Engagement and Development : Lead your team through mentorship and development to achieve high-performance standards. Responsible for associate engagement and development. Ensure associates (direct and indirect reports) have current development and succession plans in place. Provide coaching and direction to Category Team Analysts, Associate Merchants, and Category Advisors (vendor).
- Trade Shows and Buying Trips : Attend trade shows and buying trips to identify new vendors, enhance innovation, and influence product categories, item assortment, new item creation, and pricing in alignment with corporate strategy (i.e., Canada and the USA).
Qualifications
- College Certificate or Diploma
- 6-8 years of experience
- Retail Experience in merchandising, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area
- Commodity Knowledge and Negotiation Skills are an asset
- Experience leading special projects and initiatives
- Experience leading a team
Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.
Age - 16 or older
Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.
Walmart will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants and associates as required by law.
Primary Location…
1940 Argentia Rd, Mississauga, ON L5N 1P9, Canada
