GM/HBC Supervisor (General Merchandise / Health and Beauty Care) leads the procurement, merchandising, and sales strategies for all non-food categories in a retail or grocery chain. They are directly responsible for the profitability, vendor relationships, and store-level execution of these high-margin departments.
Position Overview
- Role Level: Supervisor
- Department: Corporate Merchandising / Operations
- Direct Reports: Category Managers, Buyers
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Category Management
- Own P&L performance for GM/HBC categories to hit sales, margin, and turn targets.
- Curate product assortments across health, beauty and wellness, OTC medicine, seasonal goods, and general merchandise.
- Analyze market trends and consumer data to capture emerging growth categories.
- Develop pricing strategies that balance competitive positioning with maximum profitability.
Vendor & Contract Negotiation
- Lead annual negotiations with vendors.
- Secure promotional funding, trade allowances, and marketing support from vendors.
- Manage supply chains and inventory.
Merchandising & Store Execution
- Approve orders.
- Design cross-merchandising programs that pair GM/HBC items with grocery items.
- Collaborate with marketing on weekly circulars, digital coupons, and seasonal displays.
Leadership & Team Development
- Mentor and manage a team of buyers, merchandisers, and category specialists.
- Establish clear KPIs for the buying team regarding inventory levels and margin growth.
- Conduct field visits to ensure corporate merchandising standards are executed at store level.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain preferred or equivalent experience.
Experience: 7–10 years in retail merchandising, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Expertise: Deep knowledge of the GM/HBC vendor network and broker ecosystem.
Tech Skills: Proficiency with BRData and Microsoft Office Suite.
Attributes: Strong negotiation skills, analytical mindset, and excellent communication.
Physical Requirements
The GM/HBC Supervisor role is primarily an administrative and strategic office position. However, it requires frequent travel and regular fieldwork inside retail stores.
Mobility & Stamina
- Stand and walk for 6 to 8 hours during store visits, floor audits, and trade shows.
- Sit at a desk for 6 to 8 hours daily for computer work and video conferences.
- Travel frequently via car or airplane to visit vendor shows.
Strength & Agility
- Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally to handle product samples, display fixtures, or marketing kits.
- Bend, stoop, and reach to evaluate low or high store shelves and review planogram setups.
Sensory & Environmental
- View computer screens for extended periods to analyze data, spreadsheets, and design layouts.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Company considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic info or any other characteristic or protected class as defined by state and federal law.
