Merchandising Manager

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Merchandising Manager in Newark, NJ area!

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category merchandising strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, inventory productivity, and market competitiveness.
• Design, implement, and maintain standardized planograms that optimize product placement, maximize sales opportunities, and deliver a consistent customer experience.
• Ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards, promotional displays, signage, seasonal programs, and in-store initiatives across all locations.
• Partner with store leadership and field teams to align merchandising priorities and ensure compliance with established standards and expectations.

• Analyze sales, gross margin, inventory, shrink, and operational performance metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement action plans to enhance financial performance through margin optimization, inventory management, and cost-control initiatives.
• Create and manage sales forecasts, inventory plans, and replenishment strategies to reduce out-of-stocks while minimizing excess inventory.
• Maintain accountability for achieving established financial, operational, and category performance objectives.

• Develop and execute competitive pricing strategies that support company goals, customer value perception, and market positioning.
• Collaborate with Marketing to plan, coordinate, and execute promotional campaigns, advertising programs, and seasonal merchandising initiatives.
• Monitor pricing effectiveness, customer purchasing behaviors, and market trends to continuously refine pricing and promotional strategies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure product quality, availability, and cost efficiency.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supplier agreements to support profitability and business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including distribution partners and centralized support teams, to ensure seamless product sourcing and execution.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Merchandising, Marketing, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Store Operations teams.
• Communicate strategic priorities and execution expectations to field merchants and store leadership to ensure consistent implementation.
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives, category strategies, and special projects that drive organizational performance and growth.

• Ensure field teams regularly assess and maintain planogram compliance and merchandising standards during store visits.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including sales, payroll, shrink, inventory levels, and execution metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Review and leverage execution tools, scorecards, dashboards, and reporting systems to drive accountability and follow-through.
• Champion improvements in customer satisfaction and associate engagement through operational excellence and effective execution.

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, regulatory requirements, and safety standards at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Maintain adherence to food safety, operational, and workplace safety programs and procedures.
• Support audit readiness through disciplined execution, accurate documentation, and consistent operational compliance across all locations.

• 3+ years of retail management experience in merchandising, category management, or store operations
• Proven ability to drive sales and profitability through merchandising strategies
• Experience in inventory management, forecasting, and shrink control
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive decisions
• Familiarity with retail systems, POS, and inventory management tools
• Food safety certification preferred (if applicable to category)