Director Bedding Category Management & Merchandising

About the Role

This role leads the national bedding category strategy for Ashley Retail, driving sales, profitability, and market share growth. It involves developing and executing assortment, pricing, and merchandising strategies, while also supporting licensees and managing vendor partnerships. The position requires strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Category Ownership & Business Performance:
  • Lead national bedding category strategy, owning sales, gross margin, profitability, inventory productivity, and market share.
  • Develop annual and multi-year growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
  • Identify opportunities to expand category penetration, improve assortment productivity, and increase customer attachment rates.
  • Establish and monitor KPIs to measure category effectiveness.
• Assortment Strategy & Product Selection:
  • Develop and maintain national bedding assortment strategy across mattress, adjustable base, pillow, protector, sheet, and sleep accessory categories.
  • Determine national assortment standards while enabling localized market strategies.
  • Lead line reviews, category evaluations, and assortment optimization initiatives.
  • Utilize data to inform assortment decisions and manage product lifecycle.
• Pricing & Margin Management:
  • Own category pricing strategy to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
  • Manage margin targets, promotional planning, and product mix optimization.
  • Monitor competitive pricing landscapes and recommend adjustments.
• Merchandising Strategy:
  • Develop enterprise-wide bedding merchandising standards and strategies.
  • Create merchandising playbooks, floor placement guidelines, and space allocation recommendations.
  • Establish category storytelling and product presentation standards.
  • Lead innovation in showroom merchandising and customer shopping experiences.
• Licensee Partnership & Advisory Support:
  • Serve as the primary merchandising and category management resource for Ashley licensees.
  • Develop and communicate national bedding strategies and best practices.
  • Provide data-driven insights and category performance analyses.
  • Conduct strategic consultations to improve category performance.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  • Lead and develop a team of regional bedding merchants.
  • Establish performance expectations, development plans, and succession planning.
  • Coach teams on category management, assortment optimization, and merchandising best practices.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Vendor & Strategic Partnership Management:
  • Build relationships with key bedding manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Lead vendor line reviews, negotiations, and strategic planning.
  • Evaluate new product opportunities and industry trends.
  • Ensure vendor strategies align with company growth objectives.
• Analytics & Market Intelligence:
  • Analyze sales trends, consumer behavior, and category performance metrics.
  • Leverage data to drive assortment and pricing decisions.
  • Monitor competitive environments and emerging trends.
  • Develop executive-level reporting and strategic recommendations.
• Secondary Responsibilities:
  • Maintain reliable attendance and participate in meetings and training.
  • Assist with training and provide backup support.
  • Complete special projects as requested.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field.
• Experience:
  • 8+ years in merchandising, category management, retail buying, or product management.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business performance.
  • Bedding or Home Furnishings experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis.
  • Adaptability, problem-solving, and customer-focused mindset.

Schedule

This position requires frequent travel and flexibility to work extended hours when necessary.