COMPANY OVERVIEW
Parade’s focus is on rewriting the underwear story to make underwear more accessible, inclusive and fun. We launched in October 2019 and since then have grown rapidly. Parade has been honored by Awards and publications such as but not limited to, Webby awards, InStyle, Nylon, Teen Vogue, Refinery29 and Forbes.
In 2023, Parade joined forces with its now parent company, Ariela & Associates (AAi), a privately held global manufacturer of intimate apparel both in the branded and private label space. Specializing in designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality lingerie and related products, our AAi has consistently exemplified innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Established over 30 years ago, by visionary founder Ariela Esquenazi, AAi has become a trusted name in the intimate apparel sector, embodying a legacy of quality, style, and customer satisfaction.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Digital Merchandising, will lead and develop the overall digital merchandising strategy for our direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce business. This role requires a blend of strategic vision, merchandising acumen, and hands-on management to ensure the right products are showcased effectively on our website. The Director of Digital Merchandising, will be responsible for collaborating with the brand, design, and inventory planning teams to bring the product assortment to life online, ensuring sell-through goals are achieved and optimizing sales, margins, and inventory turn.
Hybrid Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in office
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Develop and implement a comprehensive digital merchandising strategy aligned with the Company's vision and goals.
- Conduct market research and trend analysis to stay ahead of industry digital trends and consumer preferences.
Merchandising and Website Optimization
- Lead the merchandising team in planning and executing product assortments, ensuring product availability and timely launches.
- Collaborate with design and product development teams to understand the product vision and translate it into an effective online merchandising strategy.
- Manage the digital customer journey from homepage to post-purchase, including landing pages, product launches, promotional execution, and site experience.
- Ensure the website is continuously updated with accurate product information, visuals, and pricing to reflect current promotions and new product launches.
- Utilize web analytics to report on, analyze, and improve site performance and merchandising metrics to drive traffic and increase conversion.
- Maintain and deliver accurate data across the site, including inventory, titles, descriptions, images, videos, attributes, and pricing.
- Develop strategies for online merchandising, including product placement, categorization, and promotional content.
- Generate and implement initiatives to increase searchability and conversion on product listings.
- Ensure best quality site mapping and SEO optimization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with brand, design, and inventory planning teams to align digital merchandising strategies with overall business objectives.
- Partner with the marketing team to create compelling product stories and ensure cohesive brand messaging.
- Work with the inventory planning team to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory management, maximizing inventory turn and minimizing excess stock.
Sales Performance and Analysis
- Monitor sales performance and analyze data to ensure sell-through goals are achieved.
- Develop and implement strategies to optimize sales, margins, and inventory turn.
- Provide regular performance reports and actionable insights to the leadership team.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Set clear performance goals and provide regular feedback to team members.
- Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising, fashion design, marketing, or a related field. MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising and/or inventory planning within the ecommerce apparel industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Proven experience in a DTC ecommerce apparel brand or retailer is highly preferred.
- Excellent understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
- Proven track record of successful merchandising strategies and sell-through achievement in a DTC ecommerce environment.
- Experience with ecommerce platforms (e.g., Shopify) and digital merchandising tools.
- Proficiency in data analysis and use of merchandising software/tools.
- Strong understanding of online consumer behavior and UX/UI principles.
- Knowledge of digital marketing principles and how they apply to ecommerce merchandising.
- Familiarity with running A/B tests.
- Strong collaboration and cross-functional team management skills.
- Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
WHAT WE VALUE
- Acting with Integrity and Transparency
- Data- Driven Decision Making
- Seeking Excellence in Our Product, Ourselves, Our People
- Strong Work Ethic
- Openness to Change
- Being Humble, Collaborative, and Confident
- A Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm for AAI and our goals
- Treating Everyone with Respect
WHAT WE OFFER
Ariela & Associates offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees which includes:
- Excellent health, dental & vision coverage
- 401(k) with a Company match
- Paid vacation and holidays (and your birthday off too!)
- Health reimbursement account
- Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Discounts
Ariela & Associates is an EEO employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual’s age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) or sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability or membership in any other protected class under applicable law.
