Sales Merchandiser

The Sales Merchandiser plays a key role in driving product visibility, availability, and sales within assigned territories. This role involves working closely with retail grocery chains and independent stores to ensure that the licensed/broker products are well-represented on store shelves and are positioned to optimize consumer purchases.  The ideal candidate will combine strong communication and organizational skills with a passion for consumer products, particularly in the food and beverage industry.  Ideal candidate will live within a drivable distance to the territory, which covers Northern MA, Framingham and Boston area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Placement & Merchandising:

• Ensure optimal product placement and presentation on store shelves in accordance with company guidelines and promotional strategies.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate with distributors to avoid stockouts and ensure timely replenishment.
• Maintain planograms to ensure that products are clearly labeled and displayed in a manner that maintains visual merchandising standards to maximize product visibility and sales.
• Execute in store promotions, sampling, and events to enhance product visibility and customer engagement.
• Coordinate and manage product placements for seasonal campaigns (eggnog), limited-time offers, or new product launches.

Market Intelligence & Reporting:

• Report on merchandising activities, sales results and competitive actions to the Sales Manager.
• Provide insights on customer preferences, purchasing behaviors, and potential sales opportunities.
• Collect feedback from customers and retail partners to identify product performance and market trends.

Support & Relationship Building:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with retail buyers, store managers, and staff to foster collaboration and continuously build sales on all product lines.
• Address any issues related to product availability, damaged goods, or store-specific concerns promptly by escalation to Sales Manager.
• Assist in executing trade promotions and marketing campaigns.
• Provide training and product knowledge to retail staff to enhance product knowledge, as well customer support as needed, for retail partners and consumers.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS Degree in business or a related field, preferred.
• 1 - 3 years of sales experience or retail experience with a consumer package goods manufacturer, major food broker, or retail services company desirable but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with CRM and merchandising software. (e. Nielsen, IRI etc.

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrates strong business, product, and market understanding to align sales strategies with company goals and make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Effectively utilizes sales tools and CRM systems, delivers clear product presentations, and applies negotiation skills to close deals and build strong customer relationships.
• Develops trust-based connections with customers and stakeholders through effective communication, active listening, and approachability.
• Consistently meets sales targets by demonstrating a winning mindset, persistence, and a strong drive for results.
• Thrives in dynamic environments by showing flexibility, handling ambiguity, and bouncing back from setbacks with a positive attitude.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities, manages time effectively, and works independently with minimal supervision.
• Shares knowledge openly, supports team goals, and maintains professionalism in managing conflicts.
• Delivers clear, tailored messages to internal teams and customers while using probing techniques to uncover needs.
• Maintains integrity in all interactions and fosters trust through honesty, humility, and emotional intelligence.

Other:

• Ability to lift and carry products, boxes, and promotional materials as needed (up to 30-50 lbs).
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during store visits.
• Regular travel to assigned retail locations within the territory is required.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation