Director of Retail Account Merchandising (RAM)
Company Overview:
As one of the New England’s leading spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverage distributors, Horizon Beverage Group connects a network of makers, retailers and consumers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Since 1933 we’ve fostered an environment of ingenuity, innovation, and expertise to help brands and retail & restaurant entrepreneurs alike reach their goals. Now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we employ a team of over 700 beverage enthusiasts working toward a united mission with our partners to deliver the perfect drink.
Position Summary:
The Director of Merchandising plays an integral role in building retail execution strategy for the full portfolio of Horizon brands, ultimately influencing how our products are presented to consumers at point of purchase. The position will directly manage and oversee the entire RAM department, comprised of merchandisers, POS warehouse and POS warehouse personnel. Additionally, the position oversees planning, ordering, and maintenance of all point of sale materials for the company.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Directly manage team of 18 merchandisers and POS warehouse personnel, including recruiting, hiring, training, and internal succession planning of ground-level talent pool for the organization.
- Consistent weekly engagement with sales divisions to plan priorities, incentives, and measures of success for retail execution.
- Direct and coordinate with graphics department daily to plan a timely flow of seasonally relevant POS.
- Wholly responsible for managing scheduled display and service bookings, retail store resets, new openings and vacancy coverage.
- Responsible for strategic allocation of RAM service resources in a rapidly changing environment.
- Cultivate and maintain excellent cross-functional relationships across portfolio management, salesforce, senior leadership, supplier network, and retailer universe.
- Responsible for developing strong relationships with suppliers to align on critical priorities and set monthly goals, effectively tracking and executing within department scope.
- Work with suppliers and brand managers to structure and implement brand education programs that expand team’s product knowledge.
- Create actionable plans to support companywide product launches and measure/communicate success both internally and externally.
- Proactively build relationships within retail universe by promoting the Horizon brand and presenting full scope of available retail support to optimize new store openings.
- Organize and facilitate weekly team meetings to review companywide priorities and initiatives
- Occasionally travel out-of-state for meetings or educational trips (may require an overnight stay).
Other Responsibilities:
The above is a description of the ordinary duties of the position. It should be expected that from time to time other duties [both related and unrelated to the above] may be assigned and are therefore required. The Director of Merchandising requires availability early mornings and occasional Saturdays in order to respond to service changes / needs of team in the marketplace.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 5 years sales experience (active selling, brand management, sales planning or distributor/wholesaler experience).
- Strong problem-solving and analytic skills with ability to anticipate changes, identify opportunities and take swift action to address
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to multitask in a quick-paced environment
- Requires strong presentation and communication (oral, written) skills.
- Demonstrated computer skills, including intermediate-level Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook,
What We Offer:
Horizon Beverage Group provides benefits, support programs, resources and expertise to help employees live healthier and safer lives—at work, and on the road.
Eligibility for the following benefits depends on employment status.
- Competitive pay
- Medical & Dental
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Generous paid time off policy
- Company paid Short & Long Term Disability
- Company paid Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Supplemental Insurance Options
Horizon Beverage Group is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status.