L&R is the largest distributor and the 6th largest purchaser of cosmetics in the United States. We now distribute over 40,000 items (cosmetics, toys, school supplies, hosiery, hair accessories, OTC, HBA and more) through 3 regional warehouse locations in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Nevada. We also provide order management and merchandising services to many retailers across multiple classes of trade to drive the ultimate customer experience. 

District Manager Role: 

• National wholesale merchandise Distribution Company searching for Full-Time District Manager to build, lead and manage the merchandising team in their district with up to 15 Field Merchandisers. 

Responsibilities: Field Operations | Leadership | Driving KPI’s at store level

• Providing the Merchandising Regional Manager with district intelligence and partnering with them to assess the current state (people, processes and systems) and to build a best in class Merchandising team 

• Continually monitoring KPIs for their district, working with field merchandisers, HR, Sales Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and other cross-functional areas to drive improvement for our retail partners 

• Gathering and sharing information and insights from their district with Regional Manager / Director to capture efficiency & growth opportunities

• Continually monitoring and managing expenses; identifying and sharing potential cost reduction opportunities with Regional Manager / Merchandising Director. Responsible for KPI’s of Rep Expense to Order Gross Profit $, service Call Compliance, and more 

• Be an expert user with internal systems and the software used by our Field Merchandisers to efficiently & effectively manage your district 

• Regularly speak with Field Merchandisers to understand their needs, to learn any roadblocks they may be facing, and to gather their suggestions to drive execution at store level 

• Collaborating with other District Managers and the Regional Manager, addressing the needs of Merchandisers and enabling them with required tools to increase productivity. Drive retention and reward in the field within assigned district 

• Ensuring compliance with call (i.e., store visit) cycles and activities working closely with Field Merchandisers to minimize store level stock-outs and lost sales 

• Overseeing timely and high-quality execution of all activities (e.g., grid maintenance, ordering, merchandising, data gathering, territory routes) expected of the Merchandising team 

• Periodically conducting planned store audits, working with Field Merchandisers and cross-functional teams to address areas of concern 

• Representing L&R in their district & region, and building strong relationships with store managers and divisional customer teams

• Regularly visiting stores in their district, identifying growth opportunities within existing customers and target prospects, gaining sponsorship of store managers 

• Taking actions to address and prevent customer service issues related to merchandising & ordering in their district 

• Effectively communicating the vision, strategy, goals and priorities to their district team 

• Maitain and lead a high performing District Merchandising team taking a proactive approach and driving accountability in the field 

• Partnering directly with HR / Recruitment for hiring, training, and working through conflicts of Field Merchandisers

• Working closely with Merchandising Training Manager to successfully onboard and train all new hires 

• Assigning performance targets and continually managing the team’s performance and reporting up to Regional Manager 

• Providing direction, oversight and support to Field Merchandisers to ensure achievement of goals 

• Complete 30/60/90-day check-ins with new reps to drive retention and provide constructive feedback to follow our merchandising processes for our customers.

Qualifications: 

• Must have served 3-5 years as an L&R FM, retail experience, or with a reputable 3rd party Merchandising company 

• High School Diploma or G.E.D required / Bachelors’ degree preferred 

• Managerial experience preferred with experience in retail or a client services company a plus 

• Strong customer service and verbal communication skills 

• Must have a valid driver’s license to make store visits 

• Personal vehicle preferred; including proof of car Insurance 

• Computer with internet connection and access to a printer 

• Proficient with Microsoft office suite (Word/Excel/Power Point: dashboard reporting a plus