Director of Merchandise - Beauty - Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Beauty industry merchant to join Nordstrom as Director of Merchandising, Beauty. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader with deep Beauty category expertise—from prestige cosmetics and skincare to fragrance and wellness—who is ready to shape the future of one of retail’s most dynamic and fast-growing categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop product strategies, sets direction with both immediate and future focus lens, that align with corporate priorities and develops and executes key short- and long-term strategy, inclusive of sourcing of product, liquidity, and vendor mix
• Bridges the gap between the beauty consumer and the beauty brand, bringing a deep point of view on the Beauty landscape—identifying emerging brands, white space opportunities, influencer-driven trends, and new market entries—and leading buying teams to capitalize on these opportunities
• Partners with Planning Director to be fiscally responsible while taking calculated risks with mitigation strategies to meet financial KPI’s
• Understands priorities of the business, maintains focus; keeps priorities clear and simple, and clearly articulates strategies and priorities to all levels and audiences
• Be a change leader in the division, supporting company initiatives and ensuring adoption by merchandising team
• Pairs with DMM to set objectives both short and long term and ideates on solutions for current business problems
• Reviews assortments generated by teams to ensure alignment with strategy and corresponding category and financial plans as well as E2E key opportunities, and leads area of responsibility supplier relationships
• Works cross functionally with key partners on priorities and ensures there is alignment with customer and product strategy (Financial planning, Planning, NPG /Private Brand, Retail Director, Allocation, RP, Price, Fashion Office, Marketing)
• Operates with strong executive presence, sound judgment, and discretion, representing the division with professionalism internally and externally and develops direct reports and broader team identifying specific leadership opportunities and experiences to grow talent

Requirements

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in management and leadership roles with proven progression
• Experience working directly with Beauty brands, vendors, and industry partners across multiple retail channels (department store, specialty, or DTC)
• 5+ years of Beauty merchandising or buying experience, with demonstrated expertise in prestige, mass, or specialty Beauty (skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, or wellness) required
• Ability to build strong relationships with peers and senior leadership
• Strong strategic planning abilities and critical thinking skills
• Clear and effective written/verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal and organizational skills

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of experience in management and leadership roles with proven progression
• Industry Knowledge: 5+ years of Beauty merchandising or buying experience, with demonstrated expertise in prestige, mass, or specialty Beauty (skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, or wellness)

Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Vendor Management
• Merchandising Strategy Development
• Customer-Centric Approach
• Change Leadership
• Collaboration and Teamwork

Benefits

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources

Pay

The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.

Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.