Director, Divisional Merchandising Manag

About the role

Own the strategy and performance of assigned merchandise categories, driving sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and EBITDA goals. Develop annual and long-range merchandising strategies aligned with brand and organizational growth targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of category management, including assortment planning, pricing, forecasting, lifecycle planning, and promotional strategies.
• Establish and manage merchandise financial plans, including sales, margin, inventory turns, and open-to-buy budgets.
• Partner with inventory, planning, finance, and marketing teams to ensure alignment on forecasts, financial objectives, and promotional strategies.
• Lead vendor strategy, including identification of new suppliers, negotiation of terms, and evaluation of performance to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Monitor market trends, customer behavior, and competitive activity to inform decision-making and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Champion process improvement initiatives and implement best practices across merchandising operations.
• Present strategies, business performance, and category insights to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and development to direct reports and cross-functional partners.
• Set performance goals and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, execution, innovation, and collaboration.
• Lead change management efforts to support evolving business needs and process improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or related field; prior leadership experience required.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proven success in vendor management, negotiation, and building supplier partnerships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets; experience with analytics tools (e.g., Looker) is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to executive audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Work Environment

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Requires close vision and extended use of a computer.
• Regular use of standard office equipment (computer, copier, phone, etc.).
• Operates in a standard office environment.