Senior Director, Merchandising Execution

About the role

The Senior Director, Merchandising Execution, leads strategic inventory planning and operational performance across complex business units. This role drives supplier relationships, contract management, and financial oversight to optimize profit and loss outcomes. By developing and executing merchandising programs and cross-functional initiatives, the position ensures alignment with corporate goals and enhances store operations. The role fosters continuous improvement, talent development, and ethical standards while collaborating with senior leadership to implement business strategies that deliver measurable results and support Walmart’s commitment to operational excellence and customer value.

About the team

This team is essential in executing the merchandising strategy within Lawn and Garden (D16/56), managing a highly seasonal business with both committed and replenishable products. They oversee the full lifecycle from Buy Planning, Allocation, and Flow Planning to collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure merchandise reaches stores efficiently. By analyzing key performance indicators, they guide the business toward financial goals. The team’s planning and execution impact seasonal outcomes significantly and offer valuable exposure to Merchandising, Store Operations, and Supply Chain functions, supporting operational excellence and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Direct inventory planning by analyzing projections, monitoring markdown budgets, and developing prioritized recommendations to optimize category performance.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to financial commitments.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to develop merchandising programs, communication platforms, and training content aligned with business strategies.
• Guide corporate initiatives by collaborating with senior leadership, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and driving accountability across teams.
• Analyze business objectives and customer needs to implement strategies that improve operational processes and financial outcomes.
• Develop and mentor talent, fostering workforce capability and succession planning.
• Promote integrity and ethical standards while supporting continuous learning and performance improvement.

Requirements

• Extensive leadership experience driving merchandising and operational performance in complex business environments.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic business plans aligned with financial goals and inventory management.
• Strong expertise in supplier and vendor relationship management, including contract negotiation and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, profit and loss, and markdown strategies to optimize financial outcomes.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration to implement business process improvements and corporate initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data and business trends to inform decision-making and drive continuous performance improvement.
• Experience cultivating high-performing teams through talent development, coaching, and succession planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field and 6 years’ experience in merchandising management, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area OR 8 years’ experience in merchandising management, buying, financial planning, operations, or related area.
• 4 years’ supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a cross-functional team.
• Experience negotiating with third party suppliers.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Master's degree in Business Administration or related field.

Benefits

• Health benefits: Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits: 401(k), stock purchase, and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off: PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Company discounts.
• Military Leave Pay.
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
• Education benefits: Live Better U, a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates, covering high school completion, bachelor’s degrees, English Language Learning, and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart. Eligibility requirements apply.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses and stock for certain positions.

Primary location: 1700 Se 5th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America.