Merchandising Project Manager

Purpose:

The Merchandising Project Manager will oversee a diverse range of merchandising initiatives and operational projects from conceptual design through implementation. This role requires close collaboration with key stakeholders and in-house experts across departments to optimize resources and drive project efficiency.

The Merchandising Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing cross-functional projects approved by the Merchandising team. This includes coordinating with Merchandising Vice Presidents, Merchants, and both internal and external teams to ensure successful delivery of projects on scope, within budget, and on schedule. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Merchandising Projects, this role will set standards for project execution and monitor input from various teams to ensure project goals are met.

Additionally, this role will provide critical project management functions such as planning, scheduling, risk management, resource allocation, and internal/external communication. The Merchandising Project Manager will play a vital role in supporting the growth of the PMO by recommending process improvements to enhance project efficiency in a rapidly growing company.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Industry Experience: Retail or food industry experience preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of project management experience in the retail sector.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Project Management Certification: PMP, PRINCE2, or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Leadership: Proven leadership experience with strong team management skills.
• Project Management Expertise: Solid knowledge of project management principles, including budgeting, cost estimation, and resource management.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, with a focus on aligning project goals with business objectives.
• Process-Oriented: Self-motivated, process-driven, and able to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to executive leadership.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in relevant IT applications, including Smartsheet and Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the end-to-end management of medium to large-scale product launches, including fixture installations, signage, marketing campaigns, supply chain solutions, and IT integrations.
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans that align customer requirements with company goals, coordinating with cross-functional teams from initial planning through to completion.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget by providing top-down oversight throughout execution.
• Collaborate with Merchants to ensure successful launches of new merchandising initiatives, including coordination with New Store Visual Merchandising, Marketing, E-Commerce, IT, and Supply Chain teams.
• Manage day-to-day project activities, including planning, scheduling, tracking, and reporting to ensure smooth execution.
• Create operational playbooks and executive presentations in PowerPoint to support project implementation and leadership reporting.
• Manage complex budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation to maximize project ROI.
• Partner with IT teams to ensure seamless integration of new initiatives with company systems.
• Ensure quality assurance and readiness checks are completed before rollouts, and that all end-user documentation and training are delivered on time.
• Drive continuous process improvements, recommending innovative solutions to address current challenges with future growth in mind.
• Communicate proactively with stakeholders, providing clear project updates, identifying issues, and implementing solutions.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external teams, ensuring alignment and collaboration on project goals.

 Working Conditions (travel & environment)

• Travel may be required including air and car travel
• The noise level in the work environment is typically quiet to moderate.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY    REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary Work – Ability to exert 10 - 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves