Vice President (VP) of Merchandising
We are committed to innovation and excellence in all areas of our business and are seeking a dynamic Vice President of Merchandising to join our team and lead our merchandising strategy across all channels.The leader will ensure a seamless and cohesive customer experience across all retail and digital platforms, driving business growth and enhancing brand presence.
The Vice President of Merchandising is responsible for leading a merchandising team responsible for developing business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize retail brand, sales and profits by identifying opportunities and recommending new products that are both aspirational and attainable across retail channels. The successful candidate will also manage information across functional teams working closely with product development, sourcing, marketing, visual, pricing, and planning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Merchandising Team Leadership
- Lead a team of merchants across brick-and-mortar retail and eCommerce to deliver a best-in-class shopping experience across channels.
- Focus on national assortments that drive profitable revenue, driving high adoption rates in enterprise stores and licensees across regions, territories, and stores.
- Continue to elevate the merchandising team, by recruiting the best talent possible, and implementing programs and training opportunities the enhance merchants’ skill sets.
Assortment Planning / Strategy Development:
- Develop and implement comprehensive omni-channel merchandising strategies that align with the company’s overall business objectives.
- Integrate and optimize merchandising plans across all channels, including physical stores, e-commerce, and mobile.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure alignment across all merchandising activities.
- Collaborate with Design, Product Development and Sourcing Teams, influencing the development and execution of product assortments that meet customer needs and preferences across all channels.
- Utilize data, customer insights, store feedback, and competitive intelligence to drive decisions on product selection, pricing, and placement.
Digital Integration:
- Drive the integration of digital and physical product merchandising strategies.
- Oversee the enhancement of online merchandising, including website layout, product information, and promotional strategies.
- Implement best practices for digital merchandising and e-commerce growth.
Customer Experience:
- Ensure a consistent and compelling customer experience across all touchpoints.
- Collaborate with marketing, digital, and in-store teams to synchronize merchandising efforts.
- Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on customer feedback and product issues.
- Collaborate with store operations and training for executing product training videos for store associates for merchandising and new product strategies.
Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Work closely with marketing, sales, supply chain, and IT teams to execute omni-channel initiatives.
- Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders and external partners.
- Assist in the preparation for markets and the set-up and presentation of the showroom.
Financial Management:
- Manage merchandising budgets and ensure financial performance is aligned with business goals.
- Analyze financial reports and adjust strategies to optimize sales and profitability.
- Develop and implement strategies to reduce costs and improve margins.
Market Analysis & Insights:
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential challenges.
- Utilize data analytics to inform decision-making and drive strategic initiatives.
- Monitor and respond to changes in the retail landscape.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in retail merchandising, with a strong emphasis on omni-channel strategy.
- Proven track record of success in a senior merchandising role, preferably at the VP level.
- Experience driving growth in both physical and digital retail environments.
Skills:
- Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of retail trends and consumer behavior.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in using merchandising and e-commerce platforms.
Additional Information:
- This position may require occasional travel.
- Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Benefits:
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 401(k), Paid Time Off.
Equal opportunity employer
