Trade Merchandising Lead

The Trade Merchandising Lead will report to the Director, Trade Merchandising, driving the end-to-end process of planning, development, and execution for in-store displays that support the SharkNinja product portfolio, ensuring our execution is on time, on budget, and maximizing conversion at shelf.  

Key Characteristics:

• Rarely Satisfied – Has a burning desire to win, driving themselves and others to push for personal, daily improvement
• Progress Over Perfection – Makes quick, daily progress and continuously adapts to achieve iterative results rather than requiring perfect planning
• Details Make the Difference – Strives to fully understand the situation, opportunity, or problem, learning what might be below the surface as to get ahead of it
• Winning is a Team Sport – Collaborates with many cross-functional colleagues to collectively win, understanding and appreciating that differences exist between cultures around the globe as it relates to attitudes, values, perceptions, preferences, and behaviors
• Communicates for Impact – Communicates effectively, honestly, and directly with others via verbal and written communication, asking bold questions of colleagues and leaders
• Operates with a spirit of continuous inquiry; open to challenges and demonstrates a deep understanding of possible directions and tactics, deploying personal creativity to tackle tough problems
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data, connect insights across functions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Nimble, agile, and resourceful; turns challenges into opportunities; goes beyond highlighting problems and shows up with a mindset to solve every problem and presents possible solutions
• Leads cross-functionally, with an unsatiable curiosity and desire to find mutually beneficial solutions which motivate and satisfy stakeholders
• Enjoys the freedom to learn and grow in a passionate environment
• Manages many projects and tasks at once while meeting or exceeding deadlines
• Embraces transparency and shifting priorities while learning from each decision
• Demonstrates a keen ability to influence others without direct authority

Key Responsibilities:

Display Planning and Coordination:  

• For applicable accounts, own display project plan: budget, needs, quantities, and set timelines
• Drive cross-functional alignment to display project plan
• Collaborate with China Planners and NPD Planners to manage display builds, ensuring all specifications (AW, PIS, ID Specs) are uploaded
• Communicate distribution display lists to guarantee 100% accuracy in handling and delivery
• Oversee the creation of in-store fact tags, display labels, box prints, club pallet mock-ups, and other display materials  

Tracking and Reporting:  

• Monitor display commitments, milestones, and program statuses to ensure all initiatives remain on track and on budget, addressing corrective actions as needed
• Provide updates on production timelines to key stakeholders, including brand, sales, operations, PMO, logistics, supply chain, and vendor teams, ensuring 100% on-time and budget delivery
• Assist with forecasting, order tracking, and shipping coordination in collaboration with sales, supply planning, and demand teams
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve issues related to display inventory, account orders, and shipping status 

Vendor and Stakeholder Collaboration:  

• Conduct reviews with vendors to ensure timely delivery and clear expectations regarding timelines and quality standards
• Manage the receipt of product CAD files and oversee the internal and external approval process for display structures and creative assets
• Collaborate with product development, creative, and brand teams to meet vendor requirements
• Ensure retailer-specific guidelines are followed and maintain display setup sheets within retailer portals 

Order and Logistics Management:  

• Manage PO creation and reporting to ensure timely processing and delivery of purchase orders
• Track display builds from vendor pickup to final delivery, ensuring a smooth process and timely execution
• Oversee SKU authentications and coordinate display setup in retailer portals
• Proactively monitor display orders and shipments to address discrepancies and ensure accurate timelines 

Special Projects and Ad Hoc Duties:  

• Perform ad hoc analytics and support special projects as needed
• Assist in the kickoff of new display projects in collaboration with key cross functional teams, managing critical production and delivery steps 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or equivalent professional experience
• 2-5 years of professional experience, preferably with exposure to retail or merchandising environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions
• Excellent analytical and technical skills to gather and analyze large sets of data and create reports for management
• Ability to work cross functionally and under pressure
• See change as an opportunity not roadblock
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build, develop and maintain solid relationships
• Proven analytical, organizational and time management skills