Overview:The Senior Merchant, Collaborations is responsible for developing and executing the merchandising strategy for the brand's collaboration and 3rd party business. Reporting directly to the Head of Merchandising, this role will lead the product vision and assortment strategy for limited-edition collections and strategic partnerships, ensuring each collaboration authentically reflects the vineyard vines brand while driving customer excitement, brand awareness, and revenue growth.
Working cross-functionally with Design, Marketing, Product Development, Planning, Sales, and external partners, the Senior Merchant will identify collaboration opportunities, shape product assortments, and manage the commercialization process from concept through launch. This position requires a highly strategic merchant with strong product instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a passion for creating culturally relevant experiences that resonate with consumers.
Key Responsibilities:Collaboration Strategy & Business Development- Develop and execute the long-term merchandising strategy for the Vineyard Vines collaborations & 3rd party business.
- Identify, evaluate, and recommend partnership opportunities that align with brand objectives, customer interests, and growth goals.
- Partner with leadership to build a robust collaborations pipeline across brands, influencers, sports, entertainment, nonprofits, and lifestyle categories.
- Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity to inform collaboration opportunities and product strategies.
- Build business cases and assortment recommendations for new partnerships.
Product Merchandising & Assortment Planning- Lead product assortment strategy for all collaboration collections across apparel, accessories, and licensed categories.
- Define category architecture, pricing strategies, product positioning, and launch plans for each partnership.
- Partner with Design and Product Development to ensure products reflect both Vineyard Vines brand standards and partner objectives.
- Manage assortment productivity, SKU optimization, and lifecycle planning.
- Utilize sales performance, customer insights, and trend analysis to inform future product decisions.
Cross-Functional Leadership- Serve as the primary merchandising lead for collaboration partners and internal stakeholders.
- Work closely with broader Merchandising team across genders.
- Partner closely with Marketing to develop compelling product stories, launch strategies, and customer engagement plans.
- Collaborate with Planning and Allocation teams to establish forecasts, inventory strategies, and business targets.
- Coordinate with Legal, Licensing, Product Development, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution and compliance with partnership agreements.
- Lead milestone meetings and maintain alignment across multiple collaboration initiatives.
Business Performance & Analytics- Establish sales, margin, and inventory objectives for collaboration businesses.
- Monitor and analyze performance throughout product lifecycles and launch periods.
- Develop post-launch recaps and partnership performance reviews, identifying opportunities for growth and optimization.
- Leverage customer data and market intelligence to refine future collaboration strategies.
- Present business results, product recommendations, and strategic opportunities to senior leadership.
Brand & Customer Experience- Champion collaborations that strengthen Vineyard Vines' brand positioning and create memorable customer experiences.
- Ensure all partnership products deliver exceptional quality, storytelling, and brand authenticity.
- Drive innovation by identifying emerging cultural trends, partnership models, and consumer interests.
- Support exclusive product launches, special events, and partnership activations as needed.
What You Bring:- Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
- 7+ years of merchandising, buying, product management, or brand partnership experience, preferably within apparel, lifestyle, or consumer brands.
- Proven experience managing collaborative product collections, licensing programs, or strategic partnerships.
- Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience managing sales, margin, and inventory performance.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners without direct authority.
- Highly organized with strong project management capabilities and attention to detail.
- Passion for the Vineyard Vines brand, lifestyle, and customer.
- Ability to travel as needed to support partner relationships and product launches.
Every Day Will Feel This Good Because:- We have a fun-spirited entrepreneurial culture filled with truly "good" people
- We offer a generous employee discount so you can rep our lifestyle on-and-off the boat
- We offer a competitive salary package, 401-K, commuter benefits, paid-family leave, health savings, flexible spending accounts, life & disability insurance
- We have an onsite gym as well as health & financial wellness programs to keep you active
- We offer 2 summer Fridays to take off in addition to a competitive vacation policy & holiday calendar
