Senior Director of Merchandising Operations

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

The Senior Director of Merchandising Operations leads the execution of merchandising initiatives, pricing programs, and operational improvements that support Rural King’s sales, margin, and business objectives. This role works closely with Merchandising, Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and other business partners to coordinate projects, resolve issues, improve processes, and ensure initiatives move from planning to completion. Success requires strong project management, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to drive accountability and deliver results across multiple teams.

Yes

• Lead the implementation and ongoing improvement of merchandising processes, procedures, and operational standards.
• Translate business priorities into actionable plans, establish timelines, assign responsibilities, and track progress through completion.
• Coordinate merchandising initiatives with Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, and other business partners to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Identify process gaps, resolve operational challenges, and implement solutions that improve consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Develop and maintain procedures, training materials, and communication tools to support consistent execution across teams.
• Review proposals, evaluate operational impacts, and recommend practical solutions that improve business performance.

• Coordinate cross-functional projects and initiatives, ensuring clear expectations, defined responsibilities, timely follow-up, and completion of deliverables.
• Partner with Space Planning and New Stores to coordinate merchandising requirements, project timelines, store readiness, and related operational needs.
• Work with RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and Merchandising to address issues, coordinate resources, and keep projects moving forward.
• Organize meetings, prepare updates, document decisions, communicate action items, and follow up with stakeholders to maintain momentum.
• Monitor project milestones, identify potential delays or obstacles, and proactively work with teams to resolve issues.
• Establish and maintain reporting processes that provide visibility into project status, outstanding items, and results 

• Coordinate the execution of pricing initiatives and price changes across buying teams, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and clear communication.
• Partner with Store Operations to establish price change schedules and address operational requirements or constraints.
• Maintain pricing policies, procedures, and controls to support consistent decision-making and execution.
• Work with IT to troubleshoot pricing system issues, improve processes, and support system enhancements.
• Analyze gross margin performance, product costs, and key cost drivers to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with buyers and merchandising leaders to evaluate pricing and cost opportunities, support vendor negotiations, and improve profitability.
• Monitor pricing and margin initiatives, communicate results, and coordinate adjustments when needed.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of pricing programs, including price zones and special pricing initiatives.

• Lead and develop associates by setting clear expectations, providing coaching, and reinforcing accountability for results.
• Build strong working relationships across Merchandising, Space Planning, New Stores, RK Services, Store Operations, IT, and other business functions.
• Establish practical processes and follow-up routines that help teams prioritize work, address issues, and deliver on commitments.
• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows, improve communication, and strengthen execution across the business.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion while handling confidential information and sensitive business matters.
• Provide proactive, professional support to internal and external partners and respond to questions and issues in a timely manner.
• Lead by example in alignment with Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program and Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities to strengthen skills and stay current on business practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31-50 pounds intermittently.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

• At least 10 years of retail experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• At least 3 years of vendor relations experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

The pay range for this position is $135,000 - $210,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.