The Merchandise Specialist is responsible for overseeing the planning, purchasing and distribution of promotional merchandise for Busey’s business segments and pillars.
This role focuses on all aspects of product planning, purchasing, and merchandising to maximize best in class merchandise offerings, maintaining purchasing website, key vendor relationships, trend research, usage analysis, budget management and general internal and external support. This position also supports the development of prospecting, community engagement, product and presentation materials needed in support of the organization’s growth initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support brand, media, associate and client experience and community engagement efforts at Busey and within the communities we serve.
• Manage and initiate Busey’s promotional materials, continuously reviewing and revamping offerings for internal and external use.
• Monitor, report and process invoices and maintain budget reporting monthly, quarterly and annually.
• Administer Brand Cloud, collateral and merchandise site, from internal support, monitoring and reporting on usage and updating merchandise offerings and print on demand collateral.
• Develop and create marketing materials, such as sales and product collateral, and ensure brand guidelines are met.
• Support Brand Experience with client or community gifting, including auction donations, customer appreciation gifts, holiday gifting, awards and achievements and more.
• Conduct market research and analyze trends to identify trends, tactics and efficiency opportunities.
• Plan and execute product assortments based on sales data, inventory levels, and customer demand.
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms and promotional opportunities. Hold vendors accountable to timelines, quality assurances and communication.
• Research, develop and maintain quality vendor relationships throughout our footprint.
• Maintain continuity with brand standards related to merchandise offerings and follow procurement standards to ensure efficiencies and expense control
• Support and collaborate with other internal teams (e.g. Charitable Relations, Human Resources) to proactively provide solutions and materials to their initiatives.
• Performing various administrative tasks, including but not limited to running errands, such as handling deliveries, picking up supplies and assisting with general office duties and supply management as needed.
• Act as a “Busey Brand Ambassador” - maintain design and integrity of corporate brand and culture internally and externally; perform Brand In Action Audits in corporate markets.
• Function as troubleshooter and resource link across Brand Experience, supporting Busey’s 4 Pillars—associates, customer, communities and shareholders.
• Attend and actively participate in various committee meetings.

Education, Experience & Skills Required

Ability and Knowledge:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized and able to meet competing deadlines and adhere to budget demands
• Collaborative and positive attitude, supportive of a team dynamic
• Take independent action within established fields and develop new procedures or approaches to problems as needed
• Analyze and solve problems based on a wide knowledge of many factors where application of advanced or technical concepts is required
• Maintain mental concentration and visual attention for variable lengths of time
• Perform duties and make decisions under frequent time pressures

Education and Training:

• Previous experience with multi-faceted sales, marketing and event planning required.
• Associate’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Requires strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, Monday.com, vendor management, budget monitoring and reporting, website administration.

Busey values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strives to recruit, develop and retain individuals with exceptional talent. A team with diverse talent, working together, is essential to Busey's commitment of delivering service excellence.
Busey is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets. Visit Busey.com/Careers to learn more about Busey's Equal Opportunity Employment.