Director, Merchandising & Store Technology (Remote)

Designer Brands Inc. • Columbus, OH

25d • Remote

About The Position

Designer Brands is seeking a Director, Merchandising & Store Technology to lead the strategy, delivery, and ongoing performance of technology solutions supporting merchandising, planning, allocation, inventory management, and store operations across its U.S. and Canadian retail banners. The role partners with business and technology leaders to shape technology roadmaps, drive innovation, and ensure teams have the systems and data needed to meet business objectives. The position is remote, reports to the Sr. Director, Retail Systems, and has five direct reports.

The Director oversees merchandising and store technology portfolios, including point-of-sale platforms, in-store inventory management systems, and store hardware. The role is accountable for solution roadmaps and lifecycle management, reliable and secure operations, PCI compliance, hardware refresh planning, vendor management, and field support. It also leads teams serving Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, and Store Operations; develops partnerships with senior leaders and vendors; and oversees standards, policies, governance, risk management, and compliance activities, including PCI, SOX, and FTC audits.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible technology management experience supporting retail merchandising systems and/or store technology applications, including point-of-sale and inventory management solutions.
• Experience leading large-scale technology portfolios, modernization initiatives, vendor relationships, and budget oversight.
• Deep knowledge of retail merchandising processes and supporting technologies, including assortment planning, merchandise planning, allocation, inventory management, and point-of-sale solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technology strategies, roadmaps, and investment plans aligned with business objectives and delivering measurable results.
• Strong understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, disaster recovery, and architecture principles.
• Direct experience leading PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits, including PCI DSS compliance for point-of-sale environments.
• Proven experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process transformation, and technology adoption initiatives.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, build strong partnerships, and align stakeholders around strategic priorities.
• Strong business acumen and ability to evaluate trade-offs and translate complex business needs into scalable technology solutions.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience in retail merchandising and store technology environments.
• Direct experience supporting point-of-sale, merchandise planning, and allocation platforms.
• Experience leading teams of 10 or more associates.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development and execution of the technology strategy for retail merchandising systems, including assortment planning, merchandising, planning, and allocation.
• Lead the strategy for store technology platforms, including point-of-sale, inventory management, and store hardware solutions.
• Align technology roadmaps with organizational priorities and business objectives in partnership with business and technology leaders.
• Ensure technology projects, system enhancements, and business initiatives deliver measurable business value.
• Own the roadmap and lifecycle management for point-of-sale platforms, in-store inventory management systems, and store hardware.
• Oversee the roadmap and delivery of merchandising, planning, and allocation systems, ensuring teams have reliable, accurate, and actionable data.
• Ensure reliability, security, and PCI compliance of store-facing technology solutions across the retail fleet.
• Partner with Store Operations and Loss Prevention to manage store hardware lifecycle, including refresh planning, vendor management, and field support.
• Lead and develop teams delivering technology solutions for Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, and Store Operations.
• Champion innovation by understanding business needs, monitoring industry trends, and partnering with vendors and peers.
• Build partnerships with senior leaders to identify opportunities and deliver technology solutions that support business goals.
• Develop team capabilities to meet evolving business needs and emerging technologies.
• Oversee the development and implementation of technology standards, policies, and procedures covering architecture, security, disaster recovery, purchasing, and systems documentation.
• Lead PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits, including PCI DSS requirements for point-of-sale environments.
• Ensure technology investments support long-term business objectives while maintaining strong governance and risk management practices.

Benefits

• Free virtual health care.
• Family and fertility benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Hybrid and remote work opportunities.
• Training programs, professional development, and education assistance.
• 30% discount at DSW and DSW.com, plus discounts across the company's family of brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director