The role will focus on shaping the strategy for the food product category, driving growth, enhancing product assortments, and working closely with suppliers to support sales targets.

Job Overview:
The Consultant, Merchandising Department (Food), is responsible for guiding the strategy and execution of the food product category within the merchandising department. This role focuses on driving category growth, enhancing the product assortment, optimizing pricing strategies, and supporting sales goals through effective merchandising and supplier partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:
• Category Strategy Development:

• Lead the development of food category strategies to align with overall merchandising objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on consumer trends, market data, and competitor activities to drive growth in the food segment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to introduce new food products and expand the product assortment.

• Merchandising & Product Selection:

• Advise on food product assortments to meet customer demand, ensuring variety, quality, and competitive pricing.
• Conduct regular analysis of product performance, including sales, margin, and stock levels, to inform decisions.
• Support new product development and recommend adjustments based on market insights and customer feedback.

• Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors to negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and promotions.
• Identify opportunities for supplier diversification and innovation within the food category.

• Pricing & Promotion Strategy:

• Develop competitive pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize revenue and profitability for the food segment.
• Ensure pricing strategies align with market trends and customer expectations.

• Sales Performance & Reporting:

• Track and report food category sales performance, offering insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with the sales and operations teams to ensure proper execution of merchandising plans at the store level.

• Market Research & Insights:

• Stay updated on industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer preferences to inform future merchandising strategies.
• Provide thought leadership on innovations within the food category.

This job description is designed to help communicate the role. This is not an exhaustive list, as you may be required to take on additional tasks as directed by your manager.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Food Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably within the food category.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and trends.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proven ability to lead category strategy and execution.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Passion for the food industry and knowledge of customer preferences and market dynamics.

Key Competencies:
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Market analysis and competitive insights
• Strong negotiation skills
• Adaptability and innovation
• Team collaboration and leadership
• Results-driven approach with a focus on profitability and sales growth

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Food Science, Retail Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, preferably within the food or retail sector.
• Proven track record in leading category strategy and product execution with a focus on growth and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in interpreting sales data, forecasting, and identifying market trends.
• Vendor management experience, including contract negotiation, supplier relations, and partnership development.
• Hands-on experience with retail management systems, data analytics tools, and category planning software.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and consumer compliance standards.

Additional Information:
• Work Location: Based in New York, with flexibility to work remotely on certain days and required on-site presence for key meetings or store visits.
• Travel: Occasional travel required to visit suppliers, vendors, and stores.
• Onboarding: Includes a combination of in-person training, with exposure to merchandising, operations, and supplier partnerships.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Diversity & Inclusion: The company is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation: $40–$75 per hour, depending on the candidate's experience and background.

Role Type: This is a consultant role (1099 status). 3-6 months to start. This can eventually lead to full-time, depending on the needs of the business. Hours weekly can vary 20-40.

Required Computer Skills:

o Microsoft Excel (data analysis, forecasting, inventory management)

o Microsoft Word (reports, proposals, documentation)

o Microsoft PowerPoint (client presentations, training, strategy)

o Google Sheets/Docs (collaboration)

o Email tools (Outlook for communication)

o Microsoft Teams/Zoom (virtual meetings and collaboration)