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Job Description
Primary Function:
Working directly under the Sr. Manager Merchandising the Merchandising Manager is responsible for the overall portfolio strategy and digital merchandising for assigned Grainger product categories ranging from $250M to $400M annual revenue. The Merchandising Manager will be responsible for selecting the product assortment and suppliers and presenting those products effectively to customers in digital and print publications to drive revenue, gross profit dollars, customer acquisition, and overall financial performance. The Merchandising Manager is considered the “business owner” of the assigned product categories.
The Merchandising Manager will partner with Product information, Marketing and Operations to create industry leading publications for their categories. They will also partner with Supplier Management to ensure the assortment for their categories is procured from the highest quality sources as the best cost.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the assortment strategy and digital merchandising experiences within assigned categories with revenue of $250M-$400M.
- Has responsibility for creating industry leading well differentiated digital merchandising experiences on Grainger.ca
- Develop assortment strategies, organization and naming strategies, and product information strategies for all assigned product categories ($250M to $400M annual revenue). Ensure those strategies align with Grainger overall company strategy and drive revenue, gross profit dollars, and customer acquisition.
- Research marketplace trends involving products, customers, suppliers, and competitors to identify new product, sourcing, and product content ideas to ensure our assortment and customer experience are the best in class.
- Select suppliers for new products and negotiate initial pricing and service agreements.
- Communicate category plans to assigned partners with Product Information to ensure assigned category strategies are implemented and the result is an effortless customer experience with complete and accurate product information.
- Partner with Supplier Management to ensure the highest quality product assortment at the best cost for assigned categories.
- Partner with marketing to ensure assigned category assortment pricing remains competitive and our product specific marketing initiatives drive profitable growth.
Job Requirements
Preferred Education & Experience:
- BS/BA degree in engineering, technology, marketing, or business preferred. MBA preferred
- 3+ years’ experience in industrial product management, merchandising, marketing, new product development, or technical sales
- Demonstrated successful project management skills
- Excellent organizational skills and obsessive attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills—written, interpersonal and small group presentation. Must be able to translate data into clear insights and recommendations.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and MRO customers
- Continuous improvement and process orientation
- Proven negotiation skills
- Ability to develop strategic relationships both internal and external to the company
- Ability to align and partner across the business to drive exceptional results financially and strategically
- Ability to produce and present MRO industry statistical and financial analysis
- Able to establish effective relationships with all levels of direct staff and with peers and management
- Comfortable building and delivering presentations to management, staff and field audiences
Work Environment:
- Local and overnight travel 10% to 20%
Impact:
- This position is responsible for Grainger merchandising strategy that impacts $600M+ in revenue and 100K+ items.
Working Relationships:
External Partners:
- Suppliers
- Industry Peers
Internal Partners
- Partner with Channel Merchandising, Publishing, Product Information, and Operations to create industry leading publications.
- Partner with Supplier Management to ensure the assortment is procured from the highest quality sources as the best cost.
- Partner with Marketing to ensure product marketing initiatives achieve desired goals.
- Partner with Sales to ensure assortment meets customer needs
- Partner with Supply Chain to ensure appropriate stocking levels are met to satisfy customers.
- Partner with ES in website tool development to ensure best in class customer experience.
Rewards and Benefits:
Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet your individual needs. Check out some of the benefits available to you with Grainger (may vary based on hours worked):
- Vehicle subsidy or company vehicle based on territory requirements
- Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
- Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance
- Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
- Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
- Employee discounts, team member perks and more!
DEI Statement
We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match this job post as you may still be the right candidate for this role or others. We aspire to create a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are, can learn and grow to realize their full potential, and is recognized and rewarded for their impact.
Pre-employment background checks are required for all external candidates. Internal candidates undergo a background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role or to a director+ position.
Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. Accommodations are available on request.