OverviewThis hybrid position will be located at our WSS office. Expectations for hybrid in-office schedule is three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Category Director for WSS leads the end‑to‑end strategy, performance, and growth of assigned merchandise categories across all retail stores. This role is responsible for building a compelling, consumer‑driven assortment; optimizing financial performance; and driving category innovation that supports the company’s broader merchandising and retail strategies. Partnering closely with the Sr. Director of Buying, this leader ensures category plans align with company goals, marketplace trends, and customer expectations.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and own the long‑term category strategy, including assortment architecture, pricing, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships.
- Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and category risks.
- Translate strategic direction from the Sr. Director of Buying into actionable category plans and initiatives.
Assortment & Product Management
- Build and manage a consumer‑centric assortment that balances innovation, productivity, and profitability.
- Oversee SKU productivity, lifecycle management, and seasonal transitions to ensure optimal inventory flow.
- Partner with Planning and Allocation to ensure inventory levels support sales, margin, and turn goals.
Vendor & Brand Partnerships
- Lead vendor negotiations, terms, and joint business planning to maximize margin, exclusivity, and differentiation.
- Strengthen relationships with key brand partners to secure priority products, marketing support, and collaborative growth opportunities.
- Evaluate new vendors and product opportunities that align with category strategy.
Financial & Business Performance
- Own category P&L performance, including sales, margin, turn, and inventory productivity across both B&M and ECOM channels
- Develop and manage annual financial plans, in-season forecasts, and performance recaps.
- Identify and act on opportunities to improve profitability through pricing, promotions, and assortment optimization.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, and eCommerce to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies across all channels.
- Collaborate with Planning, Allocation, and Supply Chain to ensure efficient product flow and timely delivery.
- Work closely with the Sr. Director of Buying to align category direction with overall merchandising vision.
- Strong skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
- Maintain Positive Relationships – Internal and external (vendors, warehouse, Planning & Allocation, Store Operations, Finance, and Marketing departments).
- Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
- Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support career development within the merchandising organization.
Qualifications
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and own the long‑term category strategy, including assortment architecture, pricing, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships.
- Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and category risks.
- Translate strategic direction from the Sr. Director of Buying into actionable category plans and initiatives.
Assortment & Product Management
- Build and manage a consumer‑centric assortment that balances innovation, productivity, and profitability.
- Oversee SKU productivity, lifecycle management, and seasonal transitions to ensure optimal inventory flow.
- Partner with Planning and Allocation to ensure inventory levels support sales, margin, and turn goals.
Vendor & Brand Partnerships
- Lead vendor negotiations, terms, and joint business planning to maximize margin, exclusivity, and differentiation.
- Strengthen relationships with key brand partners to secure priority products, marketing support, and collaborative growth opportunities.
- Evaluate new vendors and product opportunities that align with category strategy.
Financial & Business Performance
- Own category P&L performance, including sales, margin, turn, and inventory productivity across both B&M and ECOM channels
- Develop and manage annual financial plans, in-season forecasts, and performance recaps.
- Identify and act on opportunities to improve profitability through pricing, promotions, and assortment optimization.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, and eCommerce to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies across all channels.
- Collaborate with Planning, Allocation, and Supply Chain to ensure efficient product flow and timely delivery.
- Work closely with the Sr. Director of Buying to align category direction with overall merchandising vision.
- Strong skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
- Maintain Positive Relationships – Internal and external (vendors, warehouse, Planning & Allocation, Store Operations, Finance, and Marketing departments).
- Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
- Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support career development within the merchandising organization.
Benefits
The annual base salary range is $170,000-200,000 / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the WSS total compensation package, which includes the below.
- Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Individual and Family Plans
- Self-Development & Recognition Programs
- Bonus Incentive Program
- Advancement Opportunities
- 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
- 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
- Community Engagement Opportunities
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
