POSITION OVERVIEW

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for developing and executing the product assortment strategy, managing financial investments, and driving sales and profit targets for multiple categories. The Merchandise Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver seasonal product assortments and ensures alignment with company initiatives and long-term business strategies. This role is accountable for delivering category growth that meets or exceeds financial goals while mentoring and managing the merchandising team to execute the company’s strategic vision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for ensuring merchandising strategy is cohesive with all cross-functional strategies (design, marketing, visual, etc.)
• Maximize the potential for both store and eCommerce businesses by developing and executing product assortments that meet or exceed financial goals
• Lead strategic investments in key growth categories, ensuring smart risks are taken and core businesses are protected.
• Understand competitive market trends and customer needs to identify white space opportunities, driving innovation and product differentiation.
• Work cross-functionally to bring seasonal product assortment to market, collaborating with the design, production, and planning team, while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Drive in-season strategies by analyzing sales, identifying opportunities and risk, and providing actionable insights to optimize performance. 
• Manage and execute both short-term and long-term product strategies that align with business goals and customer expectations.
• Actively participate in fittings and provide input on product design and delivery, ensuring alignment with sales goals and end-use intentions.
• Identify, develop, and retain talent within the merchandising team, with a focus on leadership potential and mentorship.
• Lead associates in an environment that creates a positive, agile, collaborative and flexible culture.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's Degree preferably in business, retail merchandising, or fashion merchandising 
• Years of Experience: 10 + of progressively more significant merchant roles, in some combination of department and/or specialty retail, preferably apparel 
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proven ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
• Strong leadership experience, with a proven track record of developing and managing high performing teams.
• Proficient in conflict management and decision-making.
• Proven ability to understand competitive patterns and make informed decisions to drive the business forward.
• Proficient in Google docs.

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Exceptional leadership capabilities with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and drive results.
• Ability to make informed, quick decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to think conceptually and strategically.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop talent, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Comfortable taking calculated risks.