Job Description

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

Develop and implement sound merchandising techniques for all assigned products. Work to ensure a continuing profit position within the assigned area. Assist Store Directors, Department Managers and District Sales Manager to achieve sales and profit goals for assigned products.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

* Provide supervision to Division stores. Evaluate department managers' performance and provide training where needed in all areas of store management. Assist Department Managers with employee relations, appropriate discipline, personnel promotions, terminations, layoffs, transfers etc. Plan staffing requirements for new stores.
* Ensure Company training programs are utilized in Division stores. Identify candidates for training, promotion, and provide opportunities to learn the necessary skills for advancement. In some Divisions, monitor and assist training activities of Assistant Sales Managers.
* Develop effective merchandising techniques for the respective departments of all Division stores. Formulate goals, objectives, and marketing plans and programs for the respective department sales and gross profit within the Division. Project weekly gross of respective department, assist with labor scheduling, monitor shrink levels, and prepare quarterly projections. Support and implement Company policies and procedures regarding assigned products.
* Responsible for maintaining well-staffed pharmacies and performing effective recruiting and development of an applicant pool to ensure needed coverage for all pharmacies in assigned area. Work with Corporate Office personnel in attending or assigning pharmacy personnel to college recruiting fairs. Act as liaison between Corporate and division in regard to human resource related issues and work to resolve satisfactorily.
* Visit stores on a regular basis to monitor store conditions, assist problem stores, observe and assist department personnel and to monitor compliance with Company programs. Help to resolve employee and customer complaints. Work to enhance employee morale and motivate and train store personnel in maintaining good customer relations. Monitor and enforce safety and sanitation programs.
* Work with and counsel respective Department Managers and Store Directors in all aspects of product merchandising for increased sales and profits and to achieve store and division projected goals. Establish schematics to merchandise assigned product to help attain projected volume goals. Determine new items and schematics and analyze trends and product performance.
* Set and monitor standards, within prescribed Division and Company guidelines, regarding quality, variety, and general appearance of product, department/store conditions and levels of customer service. Work with suppliers to ensure product quality, availability, price, etc., to meet Company standards, objectives, and profit goals.
* Develop good working relationships with vendors, Distribution personnel, and retail store personnel to ensure the best possible sources of supply to the Company and to assure good store level service. Resolve problems as necessary. Work with Distribution buyers and suppliers to develop display programs, review categories for item selection, and to work through any problems with regard to assigned product area.
* Responsible for merchandise price changes and coordination of changes throughout all stores in the Division. Monitor competition and communicate changes in the marketplace to Division and Corporate management. Review pricing zones quarterly with other staff members to ensure profit results.
* Protect gross profit throughout the Division, while increasing volume through effective advertising and merchandising programs. Monitor Division advertising as it pertains to assigned products, and assist Marketing Manager in development and preparation of related ad programs. Prepare weekly sales messages, monthly and weekly bulletins, and other correspondence.
* Stay abreast of market conditions and trends by the study of trade papers, and visits to major store competitors and outside suppliers. Assist store personnel in using and interpreting IS&T reports, becoming proficient with new technology used in the stores, and utilizing it to its maximum advantage.
* Prepare for quarterly or semi-annual meetings either within the Division or at Corporate. Attend weekly staff and ad meetings.
* Develop and maintain training programs that will ensure the availability of qualified employees to fill respective department positions that arise through promotion, expansion and turnover.
* May attend State Board of Pharmacy meetings, as appropriate, to ensure favorable rulings to chain pharmacies. Maintain good relationships with outside regulatory agencies and other appropriate personnel. May be responsible for obtaining State and Federal licenses for Company facilities.
* May assist with quarterly and interim inventories, as necessary, and ensure that all inventories are performed in an accurate and timely manner.
* Education Level:
* KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
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* Degree in Pharmacy field, with necessary higher continuing education to maintain Pharmacy license. Experience Level:
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* Previous work as pharmacist or related field preferred. Possess extensive and specialized knowledge of assigned product lines with previous experience in merchandising or retail grocery/drug operations required.Skills and Experiences:
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* Possess ability to maintain formal and informal channels of upward communications; encourage the expression of new ideas, suggestions, and complaints; review them for appropriateness and further action.
* Possess working knowledge of procurement procedures, economics, marketing, and accounting principles.
* Possess the ability to motivate and work with and through others to achieve desired results.
* Possess good communications skills, both oral and written. Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone.
* Requires analytical ability and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities.
* Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
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TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Vary depending on geographic area.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

* Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
* Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
* Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
* Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.