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
