Floral Category Merchant

DEPARTMENT:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Floral Category Merchant holds end-to-end responsibility for the effective procurement, strategic planning, and operational execution of floral programs that drive sustainable growth in sales, gross margin, and customer loyalty.

Operating within a highly perishable, fast-turn environment, this role requires tight grower and vendor coordination, precise Just-in-Time supply planning, and exceptional in-store execution discipline. Flawless timing, proactive communication, and rigorous quality management are essential to optimizing freshness, controlling shrink, and maximizing seasonal and everyday category performance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for store operations, vendors, growers, Distribution, Marketing, Merchandising, Procurement and the broader category team to support profitable growth, execution excellence, and reliable coordination 
• Apply a curious, data-centric approach to support Business Development Leadership in strategic decision-making and category performance analysis
• Execute Floral category strategies, focusing on sales, margin, shrink, assortment and quality
• Manage timely, accurate, and thorough vendor and item setup and maintenance requests to support category operations and execution
• Executes floral procurement activity by coordinating vendor availability, product timing, order needs, substitutions, and seasonal supply requirements
• Engage in Floral vendor negotiations to secure favorable cost, promotional support, quality standards, and assortment aligned with category strategy, margin goals, and customer value
• Plan and execute every day, seasonal and key floral selling periods by aligning order quantities with demand, securing profitable Just-in-Time supply, assortment planning, promotional timing, and execution support
• Coordinate floral order timing, delivery schedules, and product flow to maintain quality and freshness and still meet demand 
• Monitor product quality, freshness, shrink, and sell-through to improve overall category performance
• Provide direction to Retail teams regarding floral merchandising standards, display presentation, seasonal sets, and store-level execution
• Build, submit, monitor, and maintain promotions in partnership with the Promotional Planning Team to support sales and execution goals
• Execute price and cost business processes accurately and on time, including condition records and contract-related updates
• Maintain and execute pricing and promotional updates, working under the direction of Business Development Leadership and in partnership with the Promotional Planning Team to ensure all strategies align with category objectives
• Approve and execute price changes while managing and monitoring overrides to maintain pricing accuracy and control
• Conduct competition checks to maintain visibility to price, product and display activities for market awareness, and strategic decision-making
• Travel to store locations, regional offices, farms, production facilities, fields, etc. as needed to support strategic partnerships
• Support Business Development Leadership with category reviews, analysis, and cross-functional projects that advance business priorities
• Prepare strategic meeting materials for Joint Business Planning, Top-to-Top, and key business reviews
• Coordinate with vendors and Data Integrity to maintain current compliance documentation, including ReposiTrak requirements
• Represent the brand at industry events to build relationships, identify opportunities, and gather insights that inform category strategy
• Model company values in authentic and caring ways that support the brand promise and strengthen team collaboration
• Perform other duties and assignments as needed to support business priorities and operational requirements

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered; (MBA or MS) a plus
• 3+ years of experience in Category Management or senior-level Procurement, Merchandising, Pricing, Promotional Planning, or Category Analysis, including required direct or indirect experience in floral operations, produce/fresh departments, or fresh/perishable supply chain execution (Grocery industry experience highly preferred)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and decision support
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies clearly
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and data-driven problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet/exceed strict timelines
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally
• Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset; actively foster innovation and drive disciplined execution
• Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver's License where driving is required to perform the essential functions of the position, including the authorized operation of Company loaner vehicles