Job Description: Director of General Merchandise

We are seeking an enthusiastic and organized individual with a strong background in leadership and managerial roles within the food retail industry, with a specific focus on general merchandising, to join our team as the Director of General Merchandise.

Overview

The Director of General Merchandise will oversee all aspects of sales and merchandising for the general merchandise department across grocery store locations and affiliated markets. This role requires in-depth expertise in general merchandise, including understanding market trends and customer preferences. Collaborating with the Head of Sales and Merchandising, the director will shape and implement strategic plans while ensuring alignment with the company’s standards.

Essential Job Duties

• Sales Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to drive sales and achieve financial targets for the general merchandise department.
• Merchandising Strategy: Design and implement merchandising plans to meet evolving customer requirements while adhering to company objectives.
• Product Assortment: Ensure product selection aligns with current customer trends, preferences, and company vision, updating assortments as needed.
• Pricing: Develop and implement pricing strategies and promotional plans to enhance sales and maintain market competitiveness.
• Supplier Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure optimal product assortment, competitive pricing, and consistent delivery.
• Inventory Control: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste and surplus stock.
• Market Analysis: Regularly analyze sales data, market trends, and customer behaviors to identify areas for growth and improvement. Conduct competitor research to remain informed on market shifts.
• Staff Management: Lead, guide, and develop department staff through recruitment, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Promotions and Marketing: Work with the marketing team to conceptualize and implement campaigns and programs to attract customers, increase sales, and foster loyalty.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to health and safety standards, food safety regulations, and internal company policies.
• Collaboration: Establish strong partnerships with other departments and store teams to deliver cohesive company programs and objectives.
• Company Culture: Embody and promote the organization’s mission, vision, values, and foundational principles within the department.

Knowledge/Skills Required

• Extensive experience and passion for retail general merchandise.
• Proven leadership ability with a commitment to organizational values and objectives.
• Skilled in guiding teams to achieve results effectively.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute long-term plans.
• Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
• Adept at working within high-pressure, fast-paced environments while meeting deadlines and goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Education/Experience

• 3-5 years of proven experience in a managerial or leadership role within the grocery retail industry.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Working Environment

• Travel to store locations and affiliated sites may be required to support initiatives, conduct training, and oversee implementation. Occasional travel to mainland and international locations may also be required for industry events and research.
• Flexibility with work schedules, including weekends and holidays, is essential to meet business needs.
• Tasks will be conducted in a mix of office environments and retail store locations.

Cognitive Requirements

• Capability to analyze data, assess findings, and provide actionable insights.
• Strong ability to retain and apply information and adapt to change, staying current with industry developments.
• Quick decision-making skills, sometimes with limited information at hand.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail during tasks requiring precision.
• Effective communication with varied audiences in both written and spoken formats.

Physical Demands

• Frequent movement between desk-based tasks and store visits, requiring standing or walking for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or pushing of merchandise weighing up to 20 pounds.

Communication Demands

• Interaction and communication with employees, supervisors, managers, executives, vendors, and other external stakeholders in both verbal and written forms.
• Creation and distribution of reports, presentations, and other written materials.

Send your resume to Sylvia Corral at sylvia.corral@geckohospitality.com