Nordstrom

Director of Merchandise - Beauty - Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

Nordstrom$160K — $250K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3+ years of management experience with proven leadership progression.
  • Extensive experience with Beauty brands and industry vendors across multiple retail channels.
  • 5+ years of merchandising/buying experience in beauty, particularly in prestige and specialty categories.
  • Proven ability to build strong professional relationships with peers and leadership.
  • Strong strategic planning and critical thinking skills are essential.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective presentations.
  • Robust problem-solving and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a customer-focused merchandise strategy for the beauty category.
  • Identify emerging beauty brands and trends to capitalize on market opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the Planning Director to manage financial KPIs responsibly.
  • Clarify business priorities and articulate them effectively across the organization.
  • Lead change initiatives within the merchandising division to support corporate goals.
  • Set both short and long-term objectives in partnership with the DMM.
  • Review product assortments to ensure alignment with strategic goals and financial plans.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision, dental insurance, and life/disability coverage.
  • Retirement plan options with 401k benefits.
  • Paid time off and holiday benefits for work-life balance.
  • Employee discounts on merchandise and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Beauty industry merchant to join Nordstrom as Director of Merchandising, Beauty. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader with deep Beauty category expertise—from prestige cosmetics and skincare to fragrance and wellness—who is ready to shape the future of one of retail’s most dynamic and fast-growing categories. The Director of Merchandising, Beauty is responsible for creating and overseeing the execution of a customer-centric merchandise strategy, selection, and procurement of product for their area of responsibility. The Merchandising Director is accountable for sales, gross margin, turn, store curation, the digital experience, and customer acquisition and satisfaction. This leader creates an inclusive and collaborative work environment and effectively influences down, across, and up the organization.   As a leader of teams, the Merchandising Director is also responsible for developing a team and succession planning.

A day in the life…

  • Develop product strategies, sets direction with both immediate and future focus lens, that align with corporate priorities and develops and executes key short- and long-term strategy, inclusive of sourcing of product, liquidity, and vendor mix
  • Brings a deep point of view on the Beauty landscape—identifying emerging brands, white space opportunities, influencer-driven trends, and new market entries—and leads buying teams to capitalize on these opportunities
  • Partners with Planning Director to be fiscally responsible while taking calculated risks with mitigation strategies to meet financial KPI’s.
  • Understands priorities of the business, maintains focus; keeps priorities clear and simple, and clearly articulates strategies and priorities to all levels and audiences
  • Be a change leader in the division, supporting company initiatives and ensuring adoption by merchandising team
  • Partners with DMM to set objectives both short and long term and ideates on solutions for current business problems
  • Reviews assortments generated by teams to ensure alignment with strategy and corresponding category and financial plans as well as E2E key opportunities, and leads area of responsibility supplier relationships
  • Supports actions needed based on customer response- pushes brands for more access, RTV’s or VFMD’s
  • Works cross functionally with key partners on priorities and ensures there is alignment with customer and product strategy (Financial planning, Planning, NPG /Private Brand, Retail Director, Allocation, RP, Price, Fashion Office, Marketing)
  • Operates with strong executive presence, sound judgment, and discretion, representing the division with professionalism internally and externally and  develops direct reports and broader team identifying specific leadership opportunities and experiences to grow talent

You own this if you have…

  • Minimum 3+ years of experience in management and leadership roles with proven progression
  • Experience working directly with Beauty brands, vendors, and industry partners across multiple retail channels (department store, specialty, or DTC)
  • 5+ years of Beauty merchandising or buying experience, with demonstrated expertise in prestige, mass, or specialty Beauty (skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, or wellness) required
  • Ability to build strong relationships with peers and senior leadership
  • Strong strategic planning abilities and critical thinking skills
  • Clear and effective written/verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Strong problem-solving, interpersonal and organizational skills 


Pay Range Details

The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations. 
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

$160,000.00 - $250,000.00 Annual

 

We’ve got you covered…

Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:

  • Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources

   

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_20-21.pdf

 

A few more important points...

The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.


About Nordstrom

Acquired by Nordstrom in March 2011, HauteLook is a place where you'll discover thousands of the top fashion and lifestyle brands at amazing savings. Each day at 8 AM Pacific, shop new sale events featuring the best names in women's and men's fashion, beauty, and home décor at up to 75% off. Membership is free and everyone is welcome. HauteLook launched in 2007 and is headquartered in Los Angeles. See what the buzz is all about! Register now to become a HauteLook member. www.hautelook.com

Nordstrom Careers

Join the vibrant team at Nordstrom, a leader in the retail industry, where your career growth and development are prioritized. At Nordstrom, we offer a wide array of job opportunities that allow professionals to thrive in an innovative and supportive environment. Work You’ll Do At Nordstrom, we are committed to driving success not only for our company but for each individual who joins our team. Whether you are looking for a position in sales, management, or corporate roles, Nordstrom provides a platform for professional growth through hands-on experience and high-quality leadership training. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a workplace where everyone can truly belong and excel. Nordstrom’s market-leading team is at the forefront of retail innovation and customer service excellence. By joining us, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to reshaping the future of retail through cutting-edge technology and exceptional service strategies. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Nordstrom internship. Our programs offer invaluable industry insights and hands-on experience, making them a perfect starting point for students and recent graduates eager to make their mark in the retail sector. Interns at Nordstrom gain practical skills and are often considered for full-time positions, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent from within. Employee Benefits and Culture Nordstrom’s reputation is built not only on our commitment to customers but also on our dedication to our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits at Nordstrom include health insurance, employee discounts, and access to wellness programs. Our culture at Nordstrom is one of collaboration, innovation, and respect. We believe in the power of working together as a team, where each member’s contribution is valued. Networking within the company is encouraged, fostering a community of support and continuous learning. Career Advancement Opportunities Nordstrom believes in the growth of our employees. With a variety of training and development programs, employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers within the company. Leadership development and succession planning are integral parts of our commitment to employee advancement. Join Our Team Explore the exciting career and employment opportunities available at Nordstrom today. We are actively hiring and looking for ambitious, creative, and driven individuals to join our team. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Jobs page. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work at Nordstrom. Subscribe to our Careers Blog and personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding career opportunities waiting for you at Nordstrom, where we turn jobs into pathways for professional growth and personal achievement. Join us and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Learn more about Nordstrom
Size
60,000 employees
Market Cap
$2.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$531 million
Founded
1901
5 Year Trend
-5.8%
Revenue
$10.7 billion
NASDAQ

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