Job SummaryThe DMM leads the strategic vision, execution, and performance of merchandise category management across all channels. This role is responsible for driving top-line sales, optimizing assortment strategies, maximizing gross margin, and ensuring effective inventory flow. The DMM develops and implements merchandising plans informed by consumer insights, market trends, and analytics, while overseeing vendor relationships and managing cross-functional collaboration to support financial and operational goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Own the strategy and performance of assigned merchandise categories, driving sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and EBITDA goals.
- Develop annual and long-range merchandising strategies aligned with brand and organizational growth targets.
- Lead all aspects of category management, including assortment planning, pricing, forecasting, lifecycle planning, and promotional strategies.
- Establish and manage merchandise financial plans, including sales, margin, inventory turns, and open-to-buy budgets.
- Partner with inventory, planning, finance, and marketing teams to ensure alignment on forecasts, financial objectives, and promotional strategies.
- Lead vendor strategy, including identification of new suppliers, negotiation of terms, and evaluation of performance to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
- Monitor market trends, customer behavior, and competitive activity to inform decision-making and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Champion process improvement initiatives and implement best practices across merchandising operations.
- Present strategies, business performance, and category insights to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- Provide clear direction, coaching, and development to direct reports and cross-functional partners.
- Set performance goals and conduct regular performance evaluations.
- Foster a culture of accountability, execution, innovation, and collaboration.
- Lead change management efforts to support evolving business needs and process improvements.
Other DutiesThis job description is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may evolve or change over time based on business needs, without advance notice.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or related field; prior leadership experience required.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
- Proven success in vendor management, negotiation, and building supplier partnerships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets; experience with analytics tools (e.g., Looker) is a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to executive audiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Physical Requirements / Work EnvironmentThe physical demands required to perform the essential responsibilities of this position are as follows. Reasonable accommodations, if necessary and/or as required by law, will be made available.
- Regularly required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
- Requires close vision and extended use of a computer.
- Regular use of standard office equipment (computer, copier, phone, etc.).
- This role operates in a standard office environment.
