POSITION SUMMARY:

The Merchant is a category-specific merchant role responsible for all aspects of category planning and execution to achieve company goals. This positions goals include category strategy and growth planning, product assortment selection, product development, vendor negotiations, promotions and advertisements, sales and inventory data review. This position requires strong analytical, communication and intrapersonal skills. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works with Divisional Merchandise Manager to develop and execute all aspects of category strategic planning.
• Works with Divisional Merchandise Manager and Finance Teams to develop category financial goals.
• Works cross-functionally with Retail Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics and others to achieve category goals.
• Organizes and directs review of assortment performance and review of competitive pricing.
• Oversees vendor pricing and program negotiations.
• Works with vendors to select the right assortment of products for all channels of business (Retail Stores, Internet, Catalog, B2B).
• Manages product specifications, works with Product Development team for sourcing, forecasting, etc.
• Organizes and directs marketing plans for Proprietary branded products, working with Marketing, Photography, and other teams to execute strategy.
• Reviews Sales and Inventory Data to help identify trends, optimize customer service levels, and maximize inventory productivity.
• Reviews Sales and Inventory Data to identify slow-moving inventory, overstocks and more.
• Responsible for financial planning process, monitoring customer reviews and quality issues, etc.
• Oversees all product information submission to Internet production team.
• Identifies market trends and develops product and price structure for products within Bass Pro Shops Proprietary Brands.
• Develops and selects items for promotional activity (Retail Flyers, Catalogs, Digital Promotions and more).
• ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Degree: BS Degree in Business or related field
• Years of experience: 5+ years

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Computer literacy with strong Micro soft skills
• Ability to monitor and identify market trends
• Strong analytical, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work and make good decisions even under pressure and still meet deadlines
• Should be comfortable working with numbers and maintaining various spreadsheets and analyze data
• Ability to maintain and build effective relationships with cross-functional teams and peers
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some travel required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly walks, sit, stands and performs computer work
• Occasionally lifts up to 50lbs.

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:

Develops strategic direction, goals, plans and policies for an area of responsibility. Sets broad objectives and is accountable for overall results in respective area of responsibility. Authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance. Requires high degree of independent judgment and problem solving of complex problems.