Produce Merchandiser

Responsible for independent accounts with produce/floral expertise to ensure customer satisfaction, to achieve budgeted business plans and objectives through training, coaching and developing store owners, managers and department managers.Provides merchandising support by providing execution of sales plans, displays and skills that allow stores to buy and sell quality produce and floral products profitably.Accountable for increased retail produce and floral sales of MDI independent customers to meet or exceed assigned budget goals.Analyze and provide solutions for P&L profitability, shrink, staffing or training opportunities for MDI independent customers.Responsible for the coordination of new store openings, seasonal sets and promotions for all assigned stores.

This will include working with store owners, merchandising the produce and floral departments and explaining MDI’s ordering system, pricing system, marketing and advertising, etc.Recommend retail price zones to maintain customer profitability and competitive price image in their markets.In coordination with the Retail Brand Directors and the merchandising/buying teams, will make recommendations for ad products and key items in regional markets to assist Sales Manager.Provide sales support: inform independent customers of new programs and items, industry changes and assist with promotional execution.Create and be accountable to achieve effective product variety mix to meet customers’ sales and profits expectations.Coach store owners, managers, and department managers on all aspects of effective produce/floral operations including sanitation, food safety, product quality and freshness, increasing sales and department training.Develop and be accountable for effective training programs for store owners, managers, department managers and clerks.Act as a vital communication link to stores management teams, employees and office support staff; to include but not limited to advertising, pricing, merchandising, and marketing.Responsible for launch of all new programs.Annual retail sales in excess of $165MCounsel up to 175 retail customersServe on task forces, committees and other related work groupsCandidate should have four-year degree or equivalent experience in a retail produce/floral department including produce/floral department management.3-5 years’ experience as a retail store manager preferred.Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Incumbent should be a leader among peer groups with a proactive approach that seeks continuous improvement.Excellent computer skills required.Work under the general direction of the Director of SalesMust make decisions independently to address day-to-day sales issuesNeed to be a self-starter and work well under pressureOvernight travel will be required