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Associate Merchandise Manager Location: Fort Wayne, IN Level: Entry/Mid-level Position Division: Merchandising Reporting to position: Merchandise Manager Travel: 10% Travel

About the Role: The Associate Merchandise Manager will work directly with vendors and members alongside the Merchandise Managers to choose products and analyze pricing and buying strategies. They will use analytical skills and a team-oriented attitude to work through negotiation efforts, promotional offers, and answering vendor or member questions. The position requires great organization, communication, and a personable individual that can cultivate quality career advancement. Responsibilities include:

+ Assist with administration and development of appropriate product mix for members, which includes helping with proper product selection, evaluations, and reviews

+ Balance the maintenance of member and retail pricing, and updating product information

+ Respond to retail member questions and explain product choices/changes

+ Implement changes made to stocking items and new products

+ Aid in the execution of the biannual Market convention preparation process and negotiation of Market specials

+ Implement the development, negotiation, and submittals of promotional offers

+ Manage and monitor inventory of the Department to meet both acceptable turns and service level

Accountabilities:

Category & Product Strategy

+ Support the development of the product portfolio by analyzing performance data, market insights, and trends.

+ Contribute to product innovation by coordinating the introduction of new products and lines that drive profitability.

+ Support the development of vendor assortment planning across warehouse, drop ship, and eCommerce channels.

+ Execute product review schedules and maintain documentation to support lifecycle management.

Vendor & Market Engagement

+ Support vendor partnerships by coordinating activities that encourage collaboration, growth, and consistency.

+ Prepare data and analysis to drive vendor negotiations on pricing, terms, and incentives.

+ Contribute to vendor line reviews by gathering performance information and identifying areas of opportunity.

+ Assist in Market planning, including logistics, vendor participation, and deal preparation.

+ Promote collaboration with vendors and members by ensuring clear communication and follow-through on shared objectives.

Pricing, Profitability & 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.

+ Support MPG/RPG program development and execution to help drive sales and enhance margins.

Operations, Inventory & Data Analysis

+ Review category performance reports to identify risks, opportunities, and trends.

+ Leverage analytics to shape product lifecycle strategies, optimize promotional effectiveness, and evaluate vendor contributions.

Collaboration, Communication & Team Support

+ Work cross-functionally with Finance, Supply Chain, Pricing, IT, Category Management, and Sales to support merchandising initiatives.

+ Support team development by sharing knowledge, providing peer support, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.

+ Encourage open communication and shared accountability to strengthen teamwork and performance.

+ Collaborate with the DMM and MM to align on strategies, resolve challenges, and support execution.

+ Communicate updates and insights clearly to vendors, partners, and leadership, ensuring information is accurate and actionable.

Education & Experience:

+ Four-year degree in Marketing, Sales, or Business-related field or equivalent retail, sales, or wholesale/distribution experience

+ Must be computer proficient, especially Excel and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Gmail)

Skills and Abilities:

+ Creative problem solving skills, great verbal and written communication skills, and excellent organizational skills

+ Analytical and accuracy-focused mindset

+ Must be able to work with minimal supervision

+ Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

+ Personable with a teamwork and customer service mindset

+ Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment

Please note that for this role, relocation assistance is not available. Candidates should be willing and able to work in Fort Wayne, IN without the need for relocation support. We encourage local candidates or those already planning to move to the area to apply. 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