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Retail Strategy Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Retail Sales Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Develop and implement retail strategies that support revenue growth, customer service engagement, and organizational values. * Manage the efficient running of all Guthrie Store systems, including ...

Retail Sales Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Develop and implement retail strategies that support revenue growth, customer service engagement, and organizational values. * Manage the efficient running of all Guthrie Store systems, including ...

Retail Sales Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Develop and implement retail strategies that support revenue growth, customer service engagement, and organizational values. * Manage the efficient running of all Guthrie Store systems, including ...

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Retail Strategy Manager information

How does a Retail Strategy Manager typically collaborate with merchandising and operations teams to drive business results?

Retail Strategy Managers work closely with both merchandising and operations teams to align strategic initiatives with day-to-day execution. They often facilitate cross-functional meetings to ensure that new strategies, such as assortment changes or pricing adjustments, are feasible and understood by all stakeholders. By analyzing sales data and operational feedback, they help identify areas for improvement and coordinate the rollout of pilot programs or process enhancements. This collaborative approach ensures that strategic goals are translated into actionable plans that positively impact store performance and customer experience.

What does a Retail Strategy Manager do?

A Retail Strategy Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve a retailer’s performance and competitive positioning. They analyze market trends, customer data, and business operations to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. Their work often involves overseeing projects related to merchandising, pricing, store formats, and customer experience. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with the company’s overall objectives. Ultimately, their goal is to drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction in the retail environment.

What is the difference between Retail Strategy Manager vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Strategy ManagerRetail Buyer
Primary FocusDeveloping long-term retail strategies, market analysis, and business growth plansSelecting and purchasing products to meet consumer demand and maximize sales
Required SkillsStrategic planning, market research, data analysis, leadershipProduct knowledge, negotiation, vendor relations, trend analysis
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, retail chains, strategic planning teamsRetail stores, purchasing departments, supplier meetings
Common UsageUsed by companies to plan overall retail growth and positioningUsed by retail companies to manage inventory and product assortment

The Retail Strategy Manager focuses on creating and implementing strategies to grow retail businesses, while the Retail Buyer concentrates on selecting products to meet customer demand. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge but serve different functions within the retail industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Strategy Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Strategy Manager, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in business or finance, and experience in retail operations, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or a related field. Familiarity with data analytics platforms, CRM systems, and tools like Excel or Tableau is commonly required, along with knowledge of retail analytics or project management certifications. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills for influencing stakeholders and driving change. These competencies are crucial for developing data-driven strategies that enhance retail performance, customer experience, and profitability.
What are popular job titles related to Retail Strategy Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Retail Strategy Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Retail Strategy Manager jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Strategy Manager jobs in Minnesota are:
Sr. Retail Strategy Analyst - Hopkins, MN

Sr. Retail Strategy Analyst - Hopkins, MN

UNFI

Hopkins, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


UNFI rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Job Overview:
As a critical capability-builder for Cub, the Senior Retail Strategy Analyst brings rigor to promotional planning, vendor funding management, category performance tracking, and margin investment decisions. Sitting at the center of Merchandising and Pricing, this role provides the insights our teams rely on to make timely, confident, and profitable decisions.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Analyze vendor funding, trade spend, and markdown activity to maximize ROI and margin rate.
  • Provide category leaders with actionable visibility into funding performance, gaps, and opportunities.
  • Support promo and pricing decisions using elasticity insights, competitive analysis, and historical performance.
  • Build and maintain reporting that tracks sales, margin, units, mix, traffic drivers, and category trends.
  • Convert complex data into clear, executive-ready recommendations.
  • Lead post-mortem analysis on promotions and major merchandising events and provide concise summaries of what worked, what didn't, and what actions we should take next.
  • Partner closely with Finance to support forecast accuracy, period planning, and risk/opportunity assessments.
  • Lead or support cross-functional projects that strengthen Cub's merchandising processes, tools, and analytical capabilities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Data Analytics, or related field.

Experience
  • 5-10 years of retail analytics, merchandising finance, pricing, or vendor funding experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and a bias for action in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong knowledge of retail P&L levers, including margin, mix, markdowns, and funding.
  • Experience working with Nielsen/NIQ syndicated data and/or merchandising and promo-planning tools, such as Cognira is strongly preferred.
  • Advanced Excel; experience with Power BI/Tableau and SQL is a strong plus.
  • Good judgment is required for this position, as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:
Hybrid Role:
  • This position follows a hybrid schedule working between the office and working from home. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager.

Travel (minor):
  • This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:
Office Roles:
  • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods at a 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, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

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