Job Objective:The VP Merchandising is responsible for developing and executing the enterprise merchandising strategy to drive profitable growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and strengthen the company's competitive position. This role provides strategic leadership for product management, category management, sourcing, pricing, inventory optimization, and supplier partnerships across the organization's product portfolio.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Develops and executes the enterprise merchandising strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and long-term business plans.
- Establishes category strategies, product roadmaps, and merchandising priorities across uniforms, workwear, linens, facility products, personal protective equipment, and related offerings.
- Leads product assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and portfolio optimization to maximize revenue, profitability, and customer value.
- Evaluates market trends, customer insights, competitive intelligence, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Oversees the development, launch, performance management, and retirement of products throughout the product lifecycle.
- Develops sourcing strategies that improve product quality, reduce risk, strengthen supply continuity, and support long-term business objectives.
- Establishes and maintains strategic supplier partnerships while negotiating commercial agreements that optimize cost, quality, service, and innovation.
- Monitors supplier performance and ensures compliance with quality, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and regulatory requirements.
- Develops pricing strategies that balance market competitiveness, customer value, and profitability objectives.
- Partners with Finance to evaluate category performance, profitability, pricing strategies, and investment opportunities.
- Monitors commodity markets and industry trends to recommend pricing and sourcing adjustments as business conditions evolve.
- Collaborates with Supply Chain and Operations to optimize inventory investment, forecast accuracy, product availability, and working capital performance.
- Partners with Sales and Marketing to support product positioning, customer presentations, product launches, and commercial growth initiatives.
- Engages with strategic customers to understand evolving product needs and identify opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and market share.
- Establishes merchandising governance, performance metrics, and reporting to monitor category health, supplier performance, inventory effectiveness, and financial results.
- Leads, develops, and mentors merchandising leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Performs other duties as needed.
Required Experience and Education:- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Textile Management, or related field preferred.
- Master of Business Administration or related advanced degree preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, sourcing, product management, or related disciplines.
- 10+ years of leadership experience managing merchandising, sourcing, or product management organizations.
- Experience leading enterprise merchandising strategies, supplier negotiations, and complex product portfolios preferred.
- Experience within uniform services, textile services, apparel, manufacturing, industrial products, healthcare, hospitality, or related B2B industries preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:- Expert knowledge of merchandising strategy, category management, product lifecycle management, and sourcing practices.
- Comprehensive understanding of pricing strategies, margin optimization, inventory management, forecasting, and demand planning.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate profitability, business performance, and investment opportunities.
- Ability to translate customer insights, competitive intelligence, and market trends into enterprise merchandising strategies.
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills with experience managing strategic partnerships.
- Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives while balancing customer, operational, and financial objectives.
- Strong executive communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, customers, and suppliers.
- Ability to build collaborative partnerships across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product Development.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to support executive decision-making, board-level presentations, and enterprise communication.
- Ability to interpret complex reporting and ensure data-driven insights are effectively communicated to executive leadership.
Competencies:- Develops and executes merchandising strategies that align enterprise objectives with evolving customer and market needs.
- Builds high-performing teams by establishing clear expectations, developing talent, and fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Makes strategic decisions by balancing customer experience, operational capabilities, financial performance, and competitive positioning.
- Influences executive leaders and cross-functional partners to drive alignment around merchandising priorities and enterprise initiatives.
- Leads organizational change by successfully implementing new products, sourcing strategies, pricing initiatives, and process improvements.
- Develops strong partnerships with customers and suppliers that create long-term business value and competitive advantage.
- Uses financial and operational data to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and guide strategic investment decisions.
- Exercises sound judgment and executive presence when leading complex business initiatives and representing the organization internally and externally.
Working Environment/Safety Requirements/Physical Requirements:- Performs work primarily in a standard office environment and must be able to remain seated for extended periods while working on a computer, with occasional standing, walking, and lifting of light office materials.
- Travel is required to customer locations, supplier facilities, distribution centers, and industry events.
Other Pertinent Job Information:- This position includes direct reports and is responsible for leading multiple merchandising functions and teams.
Disclaimer: The information in this description is not exhaustive and may evolve with business needs.
