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Merchandise Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Direct and coordinate activities of operations within the Defense Distributions Business Operations ... the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027. What you will be responsible for: * Managing the ...

Direct and coordinate activities of operations within the Defense Distributions Business Operations ... the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027. What you will be responsible for: * Managing the ...

Merchandise Manager

Vernon Hills, IL

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $63K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

New

Merchandise Manager

Hodgkins, IL · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Hodgkins, IL · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $63K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Peoria, IL · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $63K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $63K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Merchandise Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

The MM reports to the Operations Manager (OM). The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is ... challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store. JOB QUALIFICATIONS ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchandise Operations Manager information

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

To thrive as a Merchandise Operations Manager, you need expertise in inventory management, merchandising strategies, and retail operations, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help drive team performance and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure efficient merchandise flow, optimal sales performance, and a positive customer experience in a competitive retail environment.

What is the role of a merchandise operations manager?

A merchandise operations manager oversees the daily functions related to inventory management, supply chain coordination, and sales support within a retail or merchandising environment. They ensure efficient stock levels, implement operational processes, and collaborate with other departments to optimize product availability and sales performance.

What does a merchandise operations manager do?

A Merchandise Operations Manager oversees the buying, stocking, and presentation of products in a retail environment. They manage inventory levels, coordinate with suppliers, analyze sales trends, and ensure that merchandise is displayed effectively to maximize sales. This role often involves supervising a team, setting sales targets, and collaborating with other departments such as marketing and logistics to achieve business objectives. Their goal is to ensure the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities, and presented in an appealing way to customers.

What are some common challenges faced by merchandise operations managers and how can they be addressed?

Merchandise Operations Managers often face challenges such as coordinating between multiple departments, managing inventory fluctuations, and ensuring timely product availability. Balancing the needs of sales, supply chain, and visual merchandising teams requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Adopting data-driven inventory management tools and fostering open collaboration can help address these issues, leading to smoother operations and better sales outcomes.

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

AspectMerchandise Operations ManagerMerchandise Planner
Primary FocusOversees daily merchandise operations, inventory management, and supply chain processesDevelops sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategies
Required SkillsOperations management, logistics, vendor relationsData analysis, forecasting, trend analysis
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, distribution centers, corporate officesCorporate offices, planning departments
Common Industry UsageRetail, wholesale, e-commerceRetail, fashion, consumer goods

The Merchandise Operations Manager focuses on managing the day-to-day operations and supply chain processes, ensuring products are available and inventory is optimized. In contrast, the Merchandise Planner concentrates on forecasting sales, planning inventory levels, and developing product assortments. Both roles are essential in retail but serve different functions within the merchandise lifecycle.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Operations jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Merchandise Operations jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Operations Manager jobs in Illinois? For Merchandise Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Merchandise Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Merchandise Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Merchandise Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Merchandise Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Merchandise Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

$89K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


AAR Corp rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 65 rated aviation services


Job description

Direct and coordinate activities of operations within the Defense Distributions Business Operations.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

What you will be responsible for: 

  • Managing the Master Part Records.
  • Customer Order review for Compliance and Export Licensing.
  • Exporting and Shipping review and release.
  • SCRAP Inventory Management.
  • Order Management Support.
  • Consignment Sales and Order Management.
  • Support Large Customer interface requirements.
  • Maintain Desk Top Instructions (DTI's), Process Flow Charts (PFC's), and Work instructions (WI). 
  • Develop changes and process improvements to IFS, current initiatives:
  • Repair Order Management/Customer Owned material
  • ALI Data Feed Management.
  • Additional Product Line support as required
  • Coordinates and manages a variety of requirements to meet the operational flow and production of the AAR Defense Distribution Business.
  •  Including distribution process flow, order management, Export Licensing, Import operations in accordance with policies, principles and procedures established by General Manager to achieve divisional and customer objectives.
  • Develops plans for efficient use of materials and employees.
  • All other duties as assigned.
     

What you need to be successful in this role: 

  • Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university; or eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility. The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 
    Competitive salary and bonus package
    Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
    401(k) retirement plan with company match
    Generous paid time off program
    Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
    The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
    Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $89,900 to $105,900 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

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