Job Title: Head of Merchandising, Buying, and Store Design (VP)

The Head of Merchandising, Buying, and Store Design is a key member of the Retail Operating Organization (ROO) leadership team, responsible for driving and overseeing merchandising, buying, and store design strategies. This role is accountable for full P&L management, both short-term and long-term corporate planning, and provides cross-functional leadership across Operations, Fresh Food, Accounting, Construction, and HR.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and execution of strategic plans to drive merchandising, buying, and store design activities aligned with the company’s business objectives.
Translate high-level strategies into actionable plans, defining integrated merchandising, buying, and store design budgets.
Develop and implement strategies for store design that enhance brand experience, increase customer engagement, and drive sales and margin growth.
Oversee the creation of store layouts, floor plans, and interior designs that reflect the brand’s identity and ensure a seamless and attractive customer experience.
Provide strategic guidance on the design elements of the store, ensuring the alignment with brand communication and legal/regulatory requirements.
Lead the planning and execution of store design projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and alignment with overall business goals.
Ensure store designs cater to consumer needs while incorporating operational efficiency, product assortment, and the customer journey.
Stay informed on industry trends, consumer behavior, and store design innovations to maintain relevance with C-Store shoppers.
Analyze sales data and customer feedback to optimize store layout and product placement for maximum impact.
Drive the development of store-specific offers and promotions, aligning them with store design and layout to optimize customer experiences and drive store performance.
Oversee a team of category managers responsible for managing product categories including bottled beverages, alcohol, tobacco, and food, ensuring proper integration with store design strategies.
Manage vendor negotiations, collaborating with the merchandising and store design teams to implement category-specific strategies.
Partner with merchandising teams to implement strategic initiatives, including category roles, segmentation, and vendor/product strategies in relation to store design and layout.
Set clear, challenging goals to inspire the team to improve performance and achieve exceptional results.
Analyze data to assess risks and potential impacts, ensuring well-informed decision-making.
Recruit, motivate, and retain top talent, fostering a culture of teamwork and performance excellence.
Promote diversity and manage team performance effectively, ensuring compliance with the company’s Code of Conduct and Values & Behaviors.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Store Design, Interior Design, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

15+ years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, and store design.

Skills & Competencies:

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Strong planning, organizational, and goal-setting skills.
Ability to synthesize complex data and generate actionable insights for store design optimization.
Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of management.
Demonstrated ability to build trust and foster effective alliances within and outside the te

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