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Manager, Merchandising

Sysco

Chicago, IL · Posted October 23, 2026

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About the job

JOB SUMMARY

Assist in leading a team of category merchandisers who are responsible for the growth of revenue and margin in specific product categories. The Merchandising Manager will assist in the development and execution of strategy for each category through:

Vendor/Supplier management – builds relationships and conducts financial negotiations with suppliers

Product Mix – develops and manages the vendors, suppliers, and products available

Pricing – maintains competitive and relevant pricing

Logistics - works with logistics to optimize supplier shipping performance

Marketing – positions products through web placement, categorization, and marketing efforts

Reporting – makes decisions based on reporting and provides status and timelines merchandising team members

. RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads and inspires the team to deliver high-quality category strategies

Works to foster teamwork within the department and to cultivate a team environment

Assists in strategy development and category financial forecasting with Category Merchandisers for each category

Provide analytics and reporting on the Top 10 suppliers

Make recommendations to management on category improvements

Participates in “Strategic” supplier meetings with Category Merchandisers when available and/or necessary

Assists in providing input for marketing, communication, and promotional activities

Assists in category management activities and projects

Works closely with the Admin/Project Manager to set priorities, timelines, and results reporting

Develops SOPS and training materials for merchandising

Manages the supplier rebate table and meets with accounting to forecast

Coordinates the Merchandising training programs for the organization

Transfers knowledge from category management initiatives to the organization to improve the sales and profitability of the company

Handles Customer Service/sales issues where and when appropriate

Keep updated on all contracts and well versed on competitive programs and changes within the supply base

Works cross-functionally with sales, marketing, logistics, IT and accounting to support company goals

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS Education Undergraduate degree in business and/or minimum

Experience

3 years’ experience in online merchandising

Leadership qualities and ability to coach and supervise

Exceptional organization and attention to detail

Strong mathematical and analytical skills

Negotiation skills

3 years of planning and/or management experience

Intermediate to Microsoft skills: Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project management software

Skills

Exceptional organizational skills

Strong communication skills: written and verbal

Independent thinker

Attention to detail

Excellent people skills and the ability to establish a rapport with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds

Ability to write short correspondence

Ability to speak and write English in a clear, understandable manner

Ability to accurately follow detailed procedures and processes

Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment

Ability to work with a diverse group of people

Ability to work comfortably under pressure

Ability to prioritize and work multiple tasks and exceeds deadlines

Ability to work independently and with a group on various on-going projects simultaneously

Effectively communicate with internal and external customers (management, co-workers, vendors, and customers.)

Must be able to perform basic arithmetic calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentage functions.)

Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time

Must have the ability to carry out instructions furnished in both oral and written form

Ability to act in an ethical, honest and professional manner at all times

Desire to work independently as well as in a team environment

Maintain discretion with all company information regarding customers, pricing, products, and procedures

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time

Must be able to bend, reach and stoop occasionally to reach file cabinets, boxes, etc

Must be able to look at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time and type

Requires the ability to read written instructions, reports and other documentation

The employee must occasionally lift, carry and/or move up to 30 pounds

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

The employee frequently is required to talk or hear

The noise level in the work environment is usually light to moderate

Working Conditions To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.