About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 140 locations across 14 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

What You’ll do

As a Innovation Center Lead you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Rural King Innovation Center, ensuring it runs smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with the company's merchandising development goals. This role plays a critical part in supporting planogram creation, testing new merchandising strategies, and facilitating collaboration across departments.

• Coordinate planogram activities with Space Planning and other cross-functional partners.
• Maintain and communicate a detailed schedule and floor plan to maximize Innovation Center usage.
• Forecast workload and schedule temporary staffing support as needed.
• Oversee the accurate setup of current and future planograms, identifying and addressing issues related to execution or accuracy.
• Manage all inventory logistics, including inbound and outbound shipments between vendors, the distribution center, and stores.
• Schedule and support test store sets, ensuring timely delivery of products, fixtures, and signage.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Innovation Center and ensure proper training for all users.
• Organize and conduct regular “sample sales” of surplus merchandise for corporate staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility; ensure all assets are secured and accounted for.
• Support local travel to store locations when necessary.
• Lead the process for capturing accurate product dimensions and high-quality images.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 3–5 years of experience in retail operations, merchandising, space planning, or project coordination.
• Experience working in a retail lab, mock store environment, or test store setup is a strong plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Outlook).
• Familiarity with planogram software (e.g., JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman, or similar) preferred.
• Comfortable using handheld scanners and basic inventory management tools.
• Experience with digital photography or product imaging systems is a plus.
• Strong planning and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities and shifting timelines.
• Proven ability to coordinate logistics involving products, fixtures, and signage.
• Understanding of retail merchandising best practices and store operations.
• Comfortable developing and maintaining SOPs and training materials.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across departments and with external vendors.
• Confident presenting findings, challenges, and opportunities to internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 50 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $50,000 - $56,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.