Post Job

What is a senior merchandiser and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
introduction image

A senior merchandiser manages the planning, development, and execution of a company's product line. They work with buyers and designers to create a cohesive product assortment that meets customer demand and achieves sales goals. A senior merchandiser conducts market research and analysis, tracks sales performance, negotiates contracts with suppliers, and collaborates with cross-functional teams. They also manage inventory levels and make decisions on product markdowns and sales. Overall, a senior merchandiser drives success and profits.

ScoreSenior MerchandiserUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $41,876

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.5

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%

Asian 5.34%

Black or African American 8.50%

Hispanic or Latino 13.83%

Unknown 5.10%

White 66.75%

Gender

female 49.42%

male 50.58%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.0

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.8

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Senior Merchandiser?

Pros

  • Opportunities for advancement

  • Exposure to international markets and trends

  • Ability to travel for sourcing and trade shows

  • Opportunity to mentor and lead a team

  • Job stability in a growing industry

Cons

  • High pressure and fast-paced environment

  • Risk of making costly mistakes in forecasting and ordering

  • Dealing with difficult vendors or suppliers

  • Managing inventory levels and markdowns

  • Staying within budget constraints

Senior Merchandiser career paths

Key steps to become a senior merchandiser

  1. Explore senior merchandiser education requirements

    Most common senior merchandiser degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.5 %

    Associate

    14.7 %

    Master's

    9.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior merchandiser skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service33.69%
    Kids27.89%
    Retail Store14.49%
    Inventory Management10.93%
    Market Trends2.49%
  3. Complete relevant senior merchandiser training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior merchandisers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior merchandiser based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior merchandiser resumes.
  4. Research senior merchandiser duties and responsibilities

    • Complete comprehensive training program and manage cosmetics, jewelry, women's accessories, women's fashions and men's apparel.
    • Provide national pet supply stores with merchandizing support, including inventory, product resets, distributing product information, magazine stock management
    • Assist outside vendor merchandisers (NIKE) with execution of planograms.
  5. Get senior merchandiser experience

  6. Prepare your senior merchandiser resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior merchandiser resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior merchandiser resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Senior Merchandiser Resume templates

    Build a professional Senior Merchandiser resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Senior Merchandiser resume.
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
    Senior Merchandiser Resume
  7. Apply for senior merchandiser jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior merchandiser job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Senior Merchandiser Job

Zippi

Are you a Senior Merchandiser?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average senior merchandiser salary

The average Senior Merchandiser salary in the United States is $41,876 per year or $20 per hour. Senior merchandiser salaries range between $24,000 and $70,000 per year.

Average Senior Merchandiser Salary
$41,876 Yearly
$20.13 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do senior merchandisers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Senior Merchandiser reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Cons

Can't say anything I buy the product that sells or does not a sale makes me profit. Always liked inventory.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

The flexibility, the ability to travel, and getting to know people from all walks of life. I really enjoy setting up new displays and stocking merchandise!

Cons

When the work slows down and I cannot get any work.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

Flexible schedule, no boss on top of me, freedom to move around during my work time

Cons

Working in Memphis


Working as a Senior Merchandiser? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs