Nordstrom

Retail Director - Designer - Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

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

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in retail management, preferably in luxury fashion
  • Strong understanding of buying and merchandising strategies
  • Proven leadership skills with experience managing store teams
  • Excellent communication abilities to liaise effectively between departments
  • Analytical mindset for monitoring sales performance and execution

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the key link between buying, creative direction, and store execution
  • Ensure in-store visual presentation aligns with brand standards
  • Localize product assortment and placement to cater to specific markets
  • Collaborate with Visual Merchandising to enhance seasonal displays
  • Onboard new store managers with training on product knowledge and selling techniques
  • Monitor and improve in-store execution, sharing insights back to the buying team

Benefits

  • Medical and dental insurance options
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Employee discount on merchandise
  • Access to employee assistance program (EAP) resources
Full Job Description
Job Description
About the Role

The Retail Director, Designer is the essential bridge between our buying and merchandising strategy and the stores. This leader ensures that the vision set at the category level — across Designer Women’s, Men’s, and Handbags — is executed with precision, consistency, and excellence on the selling floor.

While our buyers own the product and brand strategy, the Retail Director owns how that strategy comes to life in stores. This role is the voice of the store in the buying organization and the voice of the buying organization in the stores.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary connector between the Designer buying team, Creative / Fashion Director, and store leadership — translating category strategy into clear, actionable direction for selling floors across the fleet
  • Own in-store execution across the Designer division — ensuring product placement, visual presentation, and shop-in-shop environments are maintained to brand standards in partnership with brand partners and the buying team
  • Lead floor placement and assortment localization with Planning and Buying — ensuring each door has the right brand mix and product depth for its customer and market
  • Partner with Visual Merchandising to bring seasonal brand stories and product launches to life consistently and with an elevated aesthetic across all Designer doors
  • Own the onboarding of new store and department managers — building product knowledge, brand standards, and selling skills from day one, and developing a selling ceremony framework that drives clienteling, regular price sell-through, and long-term loyalty with the luxury Designer customer
  • Monitor in-store execution across the fleet — identifying gaps, sharing best practices, and representing the store perspective back to the buying team with on-the-ground feedback on customer response and execution opportunities

Scope Summary
  • Own the in-store execution and presentation strategy for Designer categories, ensuring buying vision is translated to the selling floor with consistency and excellence
  • Build and maintain brand partner relationships at the store execution level, protecting shop-in-shop standards and brand representation across the fleet
  • Drive Designer category sales performance by equipping store teams with the tools, knowledge, and direction to engage and convert the Designer customer
  • Lead and develop store-facing talent and serve as the strategic connector between buying, operations, and the selling floor


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

We27ve got you covered26hellip;

Our employees are our most important asset and that27s 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. It27s 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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