The primary purpose of this role is to assist the Merchant in delivering on the go-to-market strategy and support merchandising activities to ensure operational excellence in the division. The Merchandising Specialist is responsible for executing decisions made by Merchants and Online Merchants, including but not limited to setting-up vendors, setting up new items, inputting costs, stocking and non-stocking items, and ensuring the accuracy of the stocking matrix for new stores. The primary contact for stores and vendors and a liaison to all internal support functions for Merchandising, including Marketing, Online, Supply Chain, and Pricing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support sourcing and purchasing activities with vendors to ensure competitive pricing and consistent product quality
- Vendor communication, purchase order processing, and follow-ups.
- Manage vendor relationships to ensure stable supply and consistent product quality.
- Support vendor onboarding and new product sourcing initiatives.
- Monitor inventory levels and purchasing needs based on sales trends
- Develop demand forecasts and safety stock policies
- Improve turnover and reduce shrinkage
- Coordinate with warehouse, production teams, and stores to support daily operations.
- Assist with production scheduling and product distribution coordination.
- Help resolve order, supply, and operational issues.
- Support process improvement initiatives across purchasing and operations.
- Support margin analysis and product performance tracking.
- Maintain reporting files and operational dashboards.
- Communicate with vendors, store teams, warehouse, and internal departments.
- Support team projects and operational initiatives.
- Follow company policies and operational procedures.
- Assist managers with daily operational tasks and coordination
Education and Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
- Understanding of product specifications, quality standards, and cold chain handling
- Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management skills
- Excel skills for purchasing and inventory analysis
- 2+ years of purchasing related experience
- 2+ years of experience as a Merchandiser or Sales representative
- Experience in food or wholesale industry is preferred
- Bilingual in Korean and English preferred
Benefits:
- Health, Dental & Vision insurance / EAP (Employee Assistance Program) per company policy
- 401 (k) Retirement Plan with up to 5% match per company policy
- Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental death & Dismemberment) per company policy
- BTA Insurance (Business Travel Accident Coverage)
- Company provided lunch
- Paid-time off (PTO) and Paid Holidays per company policy
- Celebration & Condolence Benefits per company policy
- Employee Discount Program (5%)
- Holiday Gift certificates per company policy
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account) per company policy
- DCFSA (Dependent Child Care Spending Account) per company policy
Job Location: 333 Starke Rd, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 OR 800 Food Center Dr, Bronx, NY 10474
Work Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (NJ) OR 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM (NY). Monday ~ Friday
Salary Range: $63,200 ~ $78,400