Category Merch Specialist

Mode of Work: Remote Interview: Teams (1 round of Teams interview) Temp to perm: Based on Business need, attendance, performance etc. Mainly computer skills, excel, MS-office, internet skills, attention to detail, experience like data entry, supply chain merchandising experience is also preferred. Any retail industry experience like apparel or grocery.

PURPOSE: The Category Merch Specialist is responsible for executing specialized support tasks in a specific merchandising department. These functions are exercised across various systems and require timely input with a high level of accuracy. Will provide support tasks related to executing sales and merchandising strategies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: • Gathers and inputs information into the promotional planning systems and communicates that information to the appropriate retailers and/or regions. • Responsible for keeping information related to assortment and shelf accurate in the appropriate systems. • Communicates pricing guidelines and recommendations to the appropriate retailers and regions. Ensures accurate input of pricing information and deals in conjunction with Category Manager. • Responsible for accurate input of deals into the appropriate systems. Assists the Category Manager in accurate record keeping associated to contracts, deals and promotions. • Provides as needed support to the Category Manager related to planning.

Assists in gathering appropriate information, record keeping and filing related to planning process. • Acts as a point of contact for customer requests or questions and is a liaison between other business planning groups. • Processes exception orders and order entry in the system. • Reviews and approves vendor promotions. • Information gathering, compiling and spread sheet creation • Develops, maintains and reviews basic Excel templates and reports • Provides Vendor support as necessary such as sending samples or picking up product. • Performs other relevant job duties as required. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred) • 2-year degree or equivalent experience Experience: • 0-2 years retail and/or supply chain merchandising experience with solid understanding of operations, systems, category management and merchandising Skills/ Abilities: • Strong planning and organizational skills will be required. Must have the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, etc.) and use them to organize information. • Basic understanding of business planning and category management preferred. • Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, matrixed environment.

Must be able to work effectively within your own team while developing strong relationships with others such as other internal teams, vendors and customers. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships. • Must have a strong attention to detail. Accurate input of information into multiple systems is critical to this position. POSITION DESCRIPTION 2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS: • Some travel may be required • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. • Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday • Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties