Brady Plus

We are in search of a Sr. Director of Merchandising to join our growing team. This role will be responsible for leading the development and execution of strategic merchandising initiatives that drive growth, profitability, and customer value across key categories. This role is responsible for building and optimizing a high-performing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships, and leveraging data to inform pricing and category strategies tailored to the needs of our customers. With a deep understanding of B2B purchasing behavior and market dynamics, the Senior Director will guide a team of category managers while collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to deliver a best-in-class product experience. This is a highly visible, impact-driven leadership role at the heart of the company’s commercial success.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and lead the overall merchandising strategy across key B2B product categories to drive revenue, margin, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of category managers and merchandising professionals.
• Build and manage strong vendor and supplier relationships to improve cost structures, expand product offerings, and ensure supply continuity.
• Oversee category planning, assortment optimization, and execution of all key initiatives in the field
• Analyze customer data, market trends, and financial performance to inform decision-making and identify new growth opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies.
• Champion a customer-centric approach by understanding the needs of customers and translating insights into merchandising initiatives.
• Own forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting for merchandising, ensuring accountability to KPIs and financial targets.
• Stay current on industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to maintain a leading edge in B2B merchandising.
• Additional duties or special projects as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in merchandising, procurement, or supply chain with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in merchandising, and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership role managing a team of people.
• Bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred but can be replaced with relevant work experience.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across multiple categories or business units.
• Demonstrated success in driving merchandising strategies, revenue growth, and margin improvement in a B2B environment.
• Demonstrated success in curating and optimizing assortment and shaping demand to preferred suppliers, programs and exclusive brand.
• Strong experience in vendor negotiation.
• Skilled in using data and customer insights to drive business decisions and category performance.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
• Proficient in Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, financial modeling, etc.) as well as BI tools.
• Strategic Vision - Able to set and drive long-term category and merchandising strategy aligned with overall business goals.
• Leadership & Team Development - Inspires, mentors, and builds high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
• Strong Communication Skills - Clear and persuasive communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, cross-functional partners, and external vendors.
• Customer-Centric Mindset - Understands the evolving needs of business customers and builds merchandising strategies that enhance value and experience.
• Analytical Thinking - Interprets complex data and market trends to make smart, timely decisions.
• Negotiation & Relationship Building - Skilled in building strong supplier relationships and negotiating favorable terms to support business goals.
• Results-Driven - Maintains a clear focus on outcomes and performance, holding self and others accountable to key KPIs.
• Adaptability - Thrives in a dynamic environment and remains effective through change, ambiguity, or competing priorities.
• Collaboration - Works seamlessly across departments and levels of the organization to align priorities and execute on shared objectives.
• Decision-Making Confidence - Makes data-informed decisions with clarity and speed, even in high-pressure or fast-changing scenarios.
• Technical Requirements: Proficient in Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, financial modeling, etc.) as well as BI tools.
• Occasional travel (10-20%) for supplier meetings, trade shows or site visits.

BradyPLUS offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and well-being of our associates and their families. Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), 401(k) Retirement and more.

BradyPLUS is a leading national distributor of solutions for JanSan, Foodservice and Industrial Packaging. We deliver the right SUPPLIES + SUPPORT to ensure businesses are more successful every day. We offer premium brands, expert advice, and exceptional customer experiences. Our 6,000 associates across 180+ locations have a passion for delivering innovative solutions for the business challenges of today and tomorrow. Together, we serve thousands of customers nationwide in end markets including education, government, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, building services, food packaging & processing, and grocery.  We strive to be the best employer we can. We value people, we embrace change and we reach higher. Join us and see what the BUZZ is about! To learn more visit us at www.BradyPLUS.com. 

BradyPLUS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, marital status or civil union status, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or any other characteristic protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.