Director, Graduation Strategies

About the role

The Director, Graduation Strategies is responsible for leading BNED's graduation business, driving profitable growth through innovative product and merchandising strategies, strong campus and vendor partnerships, operational excellence, and exceptional event execution.

Responsibilities

• Leads the graduation business, driving performance against sales, margin, inventory productivity, and profitability objectives.
• Develops and executes business strategies that drive sustainable growth, enhance the customer and campus partner experience, and support company objectives.
• Partners with Planning to develop seasonal financial, inventory, and assortment strategies, establishing KPI targets and merchandise plans tailored by channel, store format, campus profile, geographic region, and price tier.
• Identifies and pursues opportunities to expand the graduation business through product innovation, service enhancements, partnerships, and emerging market trends.
• Builds and manages strategic vendor partnerships, negotiating commercial terms and driving accountability for performance, compliance, service levels, and mutual business growth.
• Leads operational excellence initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, and execution across the graduation business while ensuring effective resolution of cross-functional issues and continuous process improvement.
• Collaborates with cross-functional partners to develop and execute graduation event strategies, best practices, and initiatives that deliver exceptional campus experiences and support business objectives.
• Analyzes customer, campus, operational, and financial data to identify opportunities, solve business challenges, and support data-driven decision making.
• Visits campuses, stores, vendor partners, and industry events as needed to assess business performance, identify opportunities, and strengthen relationships.
• Led and develops a high-performing team, including a Senior Buyer and Business Analyst, while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent retail experience required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in buying and fashion merchandising within a fast-paced, multi-unit retail environment.
• Proven track record of driving business results, profitable growth, and operational excellence in a complex retail organization.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills with the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex vendor agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Exceptional analytical skills with advanced knowledge of retail math, forecasting, inventory management, and financial performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to develop teams and build partnerships across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with the ability to learn and leverage company systems, reporting tools, and AI-enabled technologies.
• Ability to travel to stores, campuses, vendor meetings, and industry trade shows as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be within a commutable distance from our Florham Park, NJ headquarters.
• This is a hybrid role requiring in-office attendance three (3) days per week.

Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Vendor negotiation and management
• Operational excellence
• Customer and campus partnership development
• Event strategy and execution
• Data analysis and decision-making
• Team leadership and development

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with an annual discretionary match
• Life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Paid time off with paid holidays
• A broad range of other benefits

Pay

Hiring range for this position is $140,000 - $150,000 per year. This range represents the base salary only, in good faith at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role requiring in-office attendance three (3) days per week at our Florham Park, NJ headquarters.