Company Overview: We are a pioneering global platform for local food systems, operating out of Denver, Colorado. With a strong ambition to expand throughout the United States, Pinemelon is revolutionizing the online grocery industry by bridging the gap between consumers and local food producers. Pinemelon is an innovative start-up that embodies the spirit of embracing change, agility, and a profound sense of ownership.

Our mission at Pinemelon is to empower and strengthen communities. By establishing direct partnerships with Colorado's farmers, ranchers, and producers, we bring their exceptional, sustainably-sourced products straight to consumers' doorsteps. In doing so, we foster a thriving local economy and champion responsible agricultural practices, creating a holistic and sustainable ecosystem.

Our vision : At Pinemelon, our vision is a testament to our commitment to the Earth, nature, people, and technology. We strive for a solar punk-inspired future, where harmony reigns between the Earth, humanity, and technology. We hold deep respect for the land and the communities that nurture it, and we are dedicated to building connections and celebrating local heroes who contribute to the wellbeing of both

Location and Shift availability:

Monday-Friday flexible scheduling, reporting to a physical location in Denver, Colorado- this is not a remote opportunity.

Position is exempt.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily workflow of the team; schedules and organizes staff to ensure effective productivity of all shifts.
• Leads hiring, coaching, and training of teammates to ensure marketing metrics are met or exceeded
• Handles discipline and termination of teammates in accordance with company policy.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive, providing recommendations for promotion and salary adjustment as appropriate.
• Responsible for continued process improvement and development of SOP's.

Job Summary:

As the Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO) of Pinemelon, you will be at the forefront of shaping our brand, driving our mission, and realizing our vision. You will lead a dynamic team of merchandising professionals to ensure our product offering is value-focused, diverse, local-forward, as well as implement strategic initiatives that resonate with our audience and drive growth. Your leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the perception of Pinemelon in the marketplace.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with other departments and leadership to identify and develop needs and requirements for products and acceptable substitutions.
• Assesses current product availability; reasonably predicts future availability based on the market, delivery systems, and other variables.
• Prepares and presents market conditions and merchandise cost reports.
• Prepares and processes purchase orders and requisitions for products
• Drafts, explains, and implements instructions, policies, and procedures for purchasing and contract management.
• Evaluates and approves conditions for issuing and awarding bids.
• Resolves grievances with vendors, contractors, and suppliers.
• Maintains and/or implements purchasing and record keeping systems.
• Acts as the company’s representative in negotiations with suppliers.
• Coordinates removal or disposal of surplus products.
• Administers the departmental budget.
• Works cross-functionally with purchasing & marketing teams to ensure successful entry and exit strategies of products.
• Establishing guidelines on how often the company gets price quotes for items, the number of bids to accept and which vendors to consider
• Evaluates quality, price, reliability, technical support and availability of goods and services
• Able to perform the duties of Category Manager

• Performs other duties as assigned.

__

_ Required Skills/Abilities:_

• Proven Leadership: A track record of successful leadership roles within procurement/purchasing/merchandising, demonstrating the ability to inspire, mentor, and drive a team towards ambitious goals.
• Strategic Vision: Experience in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that align with company objectives.
• Start-Up Experience: Demonstrated success in navigating the dynamic landscape of start-ups, with the ability to drive growth and impact in resource-efficient ways.
• Agile Mindset: Adept at navigating fast-paced, dynamic environments while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
• Passion for Sustainability : A genuine interest in sustainable practices, local food systems, and a deep commitment to the vision of harmonious coexistence between nature, people, and technology.
• Exceptional Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to positively influence others
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in leveraging data analytics to drive strategies and measure performance.
• Collaborative Approach : A collaborative, cross-functional mindset, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

If you are a visionary leader who thrives on embracing change, driving innovation, and championing local communities, and you possess a track record of successful start-up experience and digital growth hacking, we invite you to join us at Pinemelon. Together, we will revolutionize the online grocery industry while making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in a senior management role in produce industry or FMCG/Food service sectors or online-based service companies
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or inventory management experience
• Preferred bachelor's or higher degree in operations, business administration, communications, or related fields

Physical Requirements:

•Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

•Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

•Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time