Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Merchandise Flow Supervisor

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

RetailOperationsLogisticsManagementSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Merchandise Flow Supervisor is the operational backbone of the retail store, responsible for orchestrating the entire lifecycle of our merchandise. This leader directs the receiving, processing, and placement of all inventory, ensuring a seamless and efficient flow from the delivery truck to the customer's hands. By leading a dedicated team of stock associates, you will maintain an organized and safe backroom environment, uphold inventory accuracy, and directly impact sales floor readiness and product availability. This role requires a strategic mindset to plan for seasonal volume, a hands-on approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to developing a high-performing team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Stock Associate / Merchandise Handler
  • Retail Department Lead or Keyholder
  • Warehouse Team Lead

Advancement To:

  • Operations Manager
  • Assistant Store Manager, Operations
  • District Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Assistant Store Manager, Sales
  • Visual Merchandising Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct the full scope of merchandise processing, including unloading shipments, un-boxing, ticketing, hanging, and sensor-tagging, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company standards.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of stock associates, managing scheduling, delegating tasks, and providing ongoing performance feedback to drive productivity and engagement.
  • Champion inventory integrity by overseeing all stock-related activities, executing cycle counts, and participating in physical inventory preparation and reconciliation.
  • Maintain a highly organized, clean, and safe backroom environment, implementing and enforcing all safety protocols and ensuring compliance with company policies.
  • Strategically plan and execute the flow of merchandise to the sales floor, including new receipts, replenishment, and back-stock management, to support sales and visual presentation.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the store, distribution centers, and corporate logistics partners to resolve shipment discrepancies and communicate inventory needs.
  • Manage the efficient processing of all outbound merchandise, including customer ship-from-store orders, returns-to-vendor (RTVs), and inter-store transfers.
  • Utilize inventory management software and reporting tools to track product flow, identify operational bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency.
  • Drive team productivity to meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to shipment processing times, units-per-hour (UPH), and backroom capacity.
  • Oversee the execution of all price changes, markdowns, and promotional event setups, ensuring timely and accurate implementation on the sales floor.
  • Develop and implement merchandise flow strategies to effectively manage peak season volume, major product launches, and floor set transitions.
  • Train and certify all team members on proper equipment usage, safety procedures, and operational best practices to minimize risk and prevent injuries.
  • Partner closely with the store's leadership and visual merchandising teams to ensure product is floor-ready and available to support merchandising strategies.
  • Act as the Manager on Duty as required, assuming responsibility for total store operations, including customer service, issue resolution, and opening/closing procedures.
  • Proactively identify and communicate opportunities for process improvement within the supply chain and store operations to enhance speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

  • Support loss prevention efforts by monitoring backroom access, managing damages, and ensuring all inventory movements are accurately documented.
  • Assist in the onboarding and training of new store associates, providing comprehensive instruction on stockroom procedures and inventory management.
  • Collaborate with the management team to analyze operational reports and sales data to inform replenishment priorities and stockroom organization.
  • Champion a customer-focused culture, even in a back-of-house capacity, by ensuring product availability and accessibility directly impacts the shopping experience.
  • Flexibly support sales floor coverage and customer service during peak traffic periods to contribute to the overall success of the store.
  • Participate in store-wide meetings and contribute insights from an operational perspective to help achieve collective store goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inventory Management Systems: Proficiency in using retail inventory software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or proprietary systems) for tracking, receiving, and transfers.
  • Logistics & Supply Chain: Strong understanding of retail supply chain principles, backroom operations, and merchandise flow.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Ability to interpret operational reports (e.g., productivity, fill rates, inventory levels) to identify trends and drive performance.
  • Workforce Management: Experience with scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll management software (e.g., Kronos, Dayforce).
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Excel for data tracking, Outlook for communication, and Word for documentation.
  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Familiarity with POS functionality related to inventory lookup and sales processing.
  • Safety Compliance: Knowledge of OSHA and workplace safety standards for a retail/warehouse environment.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a diverse team to achieve ambitious goals.
  • Problem-Solving: Resourceful and decisive, with the ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Exceptional organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Communication: Clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communication skills to liaise with team members, store leadership, and corporate partners.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changing priorities, handle unexpected challenges, and adjust strategies based on business needs.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to tasks to ensure accuracy in inventory, pricing, and shipment processing.
  • Collaboration: A team-player mindset with a proven ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams like sales, visuals, and management.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Retail Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-4 years of experience in a retail, logistics, or warehouse environment.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years in a supervisory or leadership role is strongly preferred.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume, fast-paced retail setting with direct oversight of stock, inventory, or merchandise flow functions.
Explore More Careers