Job Overview

The Merchandise Specialist serves as the lead for Komatsu’s North America merchandise program and leads execution of its strategic direction. The role chairs the North America Merchandise Governance Committee; directs merchandise planning, stocking orders and cross-functional projects; leads consolidated sales and performance reporting across company stores, online channels, dealers and distributors; and oversees program governance, vendor management, e-commerce and brand compliance. The role has overall management responsibility for the South Harbor and Chicago headquarters company stores, including potential dotted-line leadership of the employees assigned to staff each location. The role uses data and stakeholder insights to improve program performance, strengthen brand consistency and support merchandise needs across North America.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead the North America Merchandise Governance Committee and regional program governance. Chair the committee, establish its agenda and decision-making cadence, align cross-functional stakeholders, document decisions and actions, and establish regional merchandise standards, policies and processes that support Komatsu facilities, company stores, online channels, employees, dealers, distributors and customers.
• Lead development and execution of the North America merchandise strategy. Translate the approved strategic direction into annual and long-term plans, priorities, project roadmaps and measurable outcomes for branded merchandise, promotional items, employee merchandise, company stores, online channels, dealer programs and regional initiatives. Coordinate execution across internal stakeholders and vendors and identify opportunities to improve product selection, customer experience, operational consistency and financial performance.
• Lead North America merchandise sales reporting, analytics and performance measurement. Develop and maintain consolidated monthly, quarterly and annual reporting across company stores, the online store, dealers, distributors and other merchandise channels, including sales, purchases, inventory, profitability, product performance and purchasing trends. Establish consistent reporting definitions and cadence, validate data with channel owners and translate results into recommendations for assortment planning, promotions, inventory investment and program improvements.
• Manage the strategic relationship with Komatsu’s primary merchandise vendor and other supplementary vendors. Oversee vendor performance, pricing, service levels, product development, e-commerce support and program execution. Partner with the vendor to establish priorities, resolve issues and identify cost, service and process improvements.
• Oversee merchandise development and brand compliance. Provide strategic direction and approvals for merchandise, promotional items, giveaways and gifts across North America. Ensure products comply with Komatsu brand standards, including logo use, colors, design quality and intended application.
• Provide overall management of the South Harbor and Chicago headquarters company stores. Own store strategy, day-to-day operating standards, product assortment, purchasing, replenishment, inventory, financial performance, promotions, reporting, customer experience and merchandising standards for both locations. Lead the creation and project management of initial stocking and replenishment orders, including demand planning, product selection, quantities, budgets, approvals, production schedules, delivery milestones and issue resolution. Provide functional direction, daily priorities, training, performance feedback and operational oversight to the employees staffing each store through a potential dotted-line reporting relationship, while coordinating with their direct managers on staffing and performance matters. 

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, retail merchandising or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 4+ years of experience in merchandise program management, retail operations, marketing operations, e-commerce or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing merchandise planning, product assortments, promotional programs, ordering and inventory.
• Strong analytical skills with experience developing reports, analyzing sales and inventory data, identifying trends and translating findings into business recommendations.
• Experience developing and managing project plans, budgets, forecasts, invoices, timelines and multiple concurrent priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships, establish expectations, evaluate performance, resolve issues and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare recommendations, present data, facilitate cross-functional meetings and communicate effectively with internal teams, leadership, vendors, dealers and distributors.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to work independently, meet short deadlines and maintain quality in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build relationships, influence decisions and coordinate work across teams without formal authority.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with inventory management, point-of-sale, e-commerce or data visualization systems is preferred.
• Experience supporting company stores, pop-up retail operations, trade shows or event merchandise programs is preferred.
• Detail-oriented, proactive and resourceful with strong judgment and problem-solving skills.