Commercial Lead

Overview
The Commercial Lead is responsible for driving strong supplier collaboration, optimizing product availability, and ensuring that assortment strategies are effectively executed across all channels. This role manages ongoing supplier communication, including SKU availability monitoring, open stock confirmation, and purchase order adjustments, to support forecasted inventory levels on SKUs managed on John Galt replenishment by the Demand Planners. This position provides visibility to the Demand Planners and TCS Commercial leadership into supplier constraints, supplier shipping forecasts, and supplier inventory commitments to support business continuity. The manager also leads the translation of the company's commercial and assortment strategies into actionable product flows-analyzing SKU and store-level performance, recommending new product introductions, target exit dates for discontinued product, and supporting strategic resets and seasonal assortments. In collaboration with Visual Merchandising and Field Leadership, the role informs planogram updates and ensures the right product breadth and depth are available to meet customer demand and financial goals. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

Position Reports To
Commercial Manager or Sr. Commercial Manager

What We Stand For

Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers and communities and influence every aspect of our business.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent communication, performance alignment, and proactive issue resolution.
• Monitor SKU availability across suppliers, confirming open stock assumptions and identifying constrained items that may impact replenishment.
• Partner with S&OP to provide supplier forecasts and inventory commitments that support 99% service levels on SKUs that are actively managed on replenishment.
• Communicate all TCS-initiated purchase order adjustments-including quantity and delivery date changes-to suppliers in a timely and accurate manner.
• Translate the company's commercial and assortment strategies into actionable product flows and execution plans across categories and stores.
• Develop and maintain an existing product store/SKU matrix that defines recommended assortment breadth by location, pending financial review.
• Recommend new product introductions and flow strategies from existing suppliers based on assortment gaps and performance insights.
• Support the planning and execution of strategic product sets, resets, and seasonal transitions in partnership with Merchandising, S&OP, and Visual teams.
• Conduct SKU and store-level analysis to inform assortment breadth, depth, and financial performance, partnering with Location planner on strategies to ensure alignment and execution with company goals.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising and Field Leadership to recommend planogram updates that reflect assortment changes and enhance in-store presentation.

Experience Education, Certifications and Affiliations:

• College degree, preferred
• 3+ years of experience in vendor management, store planning, forecasting, inventory management, supply chain, or related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, forecasting, and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
• Demonstrated proficiency using root cause analysis to improve forecast accuracy and demand planning processes.
• Ability to independently identify and resolve problems or take advantage of opportunities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with all teams, areas, and levels of business affecting the forecasting process.
• Is committed to working scheduled hours and has the flexibility to work additional hours based on changing business needs
• Knowledge of industry business and passion for following trends in the industry
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, at all levels within and outside the organization
• Ability to quickly separate the mission-critical tasks from the lower priority tasks; focuses on the most value-added projects of the day or week
• Flexible, with a positive attitude and passion for knowledge
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once
• Possesses focused attention to detail while working quickly and accurately under pressure
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner
• Makes strategic and effective decisions in the best interest of our customers and our company, taking care to objectively process information
• Ability to work within and exemplify The Container Store brand which we describe as matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused, and life-changing

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
• Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.

But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.

Company will not pay costs associated with immigration sponsorship.

The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Office Physical Requirements

State Specific Notices