Category Merchant

Summary The Category Merchant is responsible for driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity for assigned categories within the Family Dollar banner. This role owns end-to-end category performance, including assortment strategy, vendor partnerships, pricing, promotions, and supply optimization. The ideal candidate combines strong merchandising instincts with analytical rigor and a deep understanding of value-focused consumers.

Category Strategy & Financial Ownership Develop and execute category strategies that deliver sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory turn improvement Own P&L for assigned categories, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking Identify white space opportunities and optimize assortment to meet customer demand and price expectations Assortment Planning & Product Selection Build and maintain a productive assortment aligned to Family Dollar’s core customer Leverage data, trends, and customer insights to inform SKU rationalization and new item introductions Ensure strong opening price points and value perception across all categories Vendor Management & Sourcing Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure cost competitiveness and product quality Lead negotiations on cost, terms, and promotional funding Partner with global sourcing teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve margins Pricing & Promotions Establish competitive pricing strategies that reinforce Family Dollar’s value proposition Plan and execute promotional calendars to drive traffic and basket size Analyze price elasticity and promotional effectiveness Inventory & Supply Chain Collaboration Partner with planning, allocation, and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and in-stock performance Monitor key metrics such as turns, fill rates, and shrink Proactively mitigate supply risks and demand fluctuations Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, store operations, and finance teams to align on category initiatives Support seasonal planning and execution Contribute to omnichannel and private label strategies where applicable Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field 5–10+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or buying (discount retail experience preferred) Strong financial acumen with experience managing category P&L Proven negotiation and vendor management skills Advanced analytical skills; proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-making Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment Preferred Qualifications Experience in value or discount retail environments Knowledge of private label development Familiarity with global sourcing and cost modeling Experience with merchandising or planning systems Key Competencies Customer-first mindset with a focus on value and affordability Strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities Data-driven decision-making Negotiation and influencing skills Agility and resilience in a fast-paced environment Projected Salary Range : $148,000-$156,000 Family Dollar is an equal opportunity employer and committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Full time 510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320 Buying Family Dollar