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Associate Merchandise Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for the strategic direction of inventory based on ... They will manage inventory through the use of various merchandise reporting tools, ensuring top ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will help analyze sales and inventory performance, maintain ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. * Strong communication and collaboration ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

The Associate Merchandise Planner will provide insights to management on financial planning, inventory forecasting, and merchandise strategy, helping inform decisions across seasonal and longer-term ...

In partnership with their manager, this person will manage and plan merchandise inventory positions ... The Associate Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for departments in a ...

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support ... Support the Planner or Manager in maintaining Open-to-Buy (OTB) and forecasting tools. * Partner ...

Partner with management, merchants and allocation in order to strategically move business toward ... Generous associate discount of 30 - 50% off merchandise online and in-stores * On-site Cafe * On ...

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support ... Support the Planner or Manager in maintaining Open-to-Buy (OTB) and forecasting tools. * Partner ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Merchandise Manager information

What does an associate merchandise manager do?

An Associate Merchandise Manager assists in planning, selecting, and purchasing products for retail stores or online platforms. They analyze sales trends, work with vendors, help develop pricing strategies, and ensure that merchandise aligns with the company's goals and customer preferences. This role often involves collaborating with marketing, inventory, and sales teams to optimize product assortments and maximize profitability. Associate Merchandise Managers also monitor inventory levels and help execute promotional strategies to drive sales.

How does an associate merchandise manager typically collaborate with buyers and planners to develop effective product assortments?

As an Associate Merchandise Manager, you will regularly work with buyers to analyze sales data, review market trends, and identify opportunities for new products or adjustments to existing assortments. Collaboration with planners is essential for managing inventory levels, ensuring that merchandise aligns with financial targets and promotional calendars. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills, as you'll be part of cross-functional meetings, providing input to optimize the merchandise mix and drive sales growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate merchandise manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Merchandise Manager, you need strong analytical skills, an understanding of retail math, and a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency with inventory management systems, Excel, and merchandising planning software is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and negotiation skills help you collaborate across teams and manage vendor relationships effectively. These competencies are essential for optimizing product assortments, driving sales, and ensuring smooth merchandising operations.

What is the difference between Associate Merchandise Manager vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssociate Merchandise ManagerMerchandise Planner
Primary FocusAssists in product selection, inventory management, and sales strategiesForecasts sales, plans inventory levels, and manages stock flow
Required SkillsProduct knowledge, communication, basic analyticsData analysis, forecasting, inventory optimization
Work EnvironmentRetail or e-commerce companies, team collaborationPlanning departments, cross-functional teams
Common CertificationsMerchandising, retail managementSupply chain, inventory management certifications

The Associate Merchandise Manager and Merchandise Planner roles both operate within retail and merchandising environments, often collaborating closely. While the Associate Merchandise Manager focuses on product selection and sales support, the Merchandise Planner specializes in sales forecasting and inventory planning. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, but their core responsibilities differ, making them complementary positions within retail teams.

What cities are hiring for Associate Merchandise Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Merchandise Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Manager jobs?

The most popular types of Merchandise Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Associate Merchandise Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Merchandise Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Merchandise Manager - Home Essentials

Do it Best Corp.

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$46K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Locate and purchase products to be sold to members and distribution centers, including developing and communicating distribution center and direct shipment programs.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve inventory metrics such as service level, turn, and gross margin.

  • Support the execution of biannual Market convention preparation, vendor negotiations, and market element design to maximize retailer engagement and profitability.


Job description

Merchandise Manager
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Level: Mid-Level
Division / Department: Merchandising
Reporting to position: Divisional Merchandise Manager
Travel: Approx. 10%
The Merchandise Manager position locates and purchases products to be sold to our members and distribution centers. This includes developing, implementing and communicating distribution center and direct shipment programs, developing and maintaining departmental planograms, and profitably growing a business segment for Do it Best Corp. Ultimately, the position of Merchandise Manager has a focus on vendors, products, promotions, and pricing.
Responsibilities:
  • Drive the development of appropriate product mix for members, which includes setting line review schedules, proper product selection, evaluations, and reviews.
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams to achieve inventory metrics, including service level, turn, and gross margin
  • Aid in the execution of the biannual Market convention preparation process and negotiation of Market specials
  • Travel for vendor meetings, markets, and member meetings to build relationships and represent the company externally to build trust and develop insight
Accountabilities:
Category amp; Product Strategy
  • Set the strategic vision for the department’s product portfolio, ensuring it reflects market insights, performance trends, and future opportunities.
  • Drive innovation and category leadership by guiding the introduction of new products and lines that expand profitability and market presence.
  • Shape vendor partnership strategy to optimize assortments across warehouse, drop ship, and eCommerce channels.
  • Lead the product lifecycle strategy, defining review cadences and decision-making frameworks that align with enterprise goals.
Vendor amp; Market Engagement
  • Set the vision for vendor partnerships, ensuring relationships drive innovation, growth, and long-term value creation.
  • Steer high-level negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing, terms, and incentives that strengthen company and retailer profitability.
  • Lead the strategic design of Market elements by shaping the floorplan, curating vendor participation, and driving deal selections that maximize retailer engagement and profitability.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability with vendors and members, aligning all stakeholders around shared growth objectives
Pricing, Profitability amp; Promotions
  • Support the Pricing team to achieve optimal pricing strategy for landed costs, member costs, and competitive retail pricing while achieving/exceeding margin targets.
  • Contribute to promotional planning, online campaigns, and vendor specials, ensuring alignment with retailer needs.
  • Recommend and refine MPG/RPG programs that drive sales and enhance margins
Operations, Inventory amp; Data Analysis
  • Drive a data-informed culture by ensuring performance insights are embedded into strategic decision-making.
  • Leverage analytics to shape product lifecycle strategies, optimize promotional effectiveness, and evaluate vendor contributions.
  • Translate complex performance data into strategic scorecards that provide clarity, focus, and accountability for leadership and cross-functional partners.
·Leadership, Collaboration amp; Communication
  • Champion cross-functional alignment by ensuring product strategy supports retailer success, vendor collaboration, and company profitability.
  • Lead team development by setting clear goals, mentoring Associate Merchandise Managers, and encouraging growth opportunities.
  • Cultivate a team environment built on trust, open communication, and shared responsibility for success.
  • Collaborate closely with the DMM to align strategies, address roadblocks, and support execution.
  • Communicate effectively with vendors, partners, and leadership, ensuring updates and initiatives are clear and actionable.
Education amp; Experience:
  • Four year degree in Marketing, Sales, or other business related field or strong background/experience in Retail, Sales, or Hardware
  • Great technology skills including Microsoft Suite, and Google Suite
  • Prior buying experience (preferred)
Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Team player
  • Creative problem solving
  • Ability to work with little supervision
  • Must possess a high level of accuracy
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Service oriented
  • Self-motivated
  • Objective and analytical skills
  • Relationship building and cross-functional collaboration
Benefits available to you:
  • Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, amp; Vision
  • Paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Profit sharing
  • Bonus Pay opportunities
  • Retirement funding opportunities
  • Education reimbursement
  • Health club reimbursement
  • Career advancement opportunities

About Do it Best:

Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Do it Best is the only US-based, member-owned comprehensive and fully integrated hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of nearly $6 billion, Do it Best serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 other countries, and is now part of the Do it Best Group, the world’s largest independent home improvement co-op. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Culture:

Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.

Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served

Our Mission: Making the best even better

Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams