Divisional Merchandise Manager

World Market • Alameda, CA

1d • $190,000 - $220,000

About The Position

As a Divisional Merchandise Manager, you will be a part of a dynamic Merchandising team. You will lead a group of merchants and manage a complex of substantial volume. You will also be part of the overall leadership for Merchandising. You will lead a team of merchants (some combination of Buyers, Associate Buyers and Assistant Buyers), providing professional coaching, feedback and development. Together with your team, you will develop unique product assortments for our omni-channel business through analysis, trend research and international sourcing. You and your team will be responsible for multiple categories and have financial accountability for all key metrics. You will build relationships with external and internal partners and assist in bringing exciting product to life, including Inventory Management, Marketing, Ecommerce, Stores, Visual, agents, and vendors. In this role, you will: Lead and manage a team of merchants/demonstrate strong leadership behaviors: Lead a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life. Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities. Hire and train new team members as needed. Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies: Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers. Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends. Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities. Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners. Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business). Drive the Business: Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility: Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners. Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution. Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations. Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans. Participate in all aspects of product development and design. Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability. Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs: Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities. Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

Requirements

• Passion for the business.
• A high level of business acumen, mental agility, and intellectual curiosity.
• A keen eye for style and trends.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to hire, train, develop, and retain direct reports.
• Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.
• An enthusiasm for travel and exploring and the ability to travel domestically and possibly internationally to vendor shows, showrooms, and factories as needed for your department.
• Excellent planning and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present opinions and ideas compellingly.
• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with merchandise software systems.
• Minimum 8-10 years buying and management experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic and foreign travel and direct work with vendors.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life.
• Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities.
• Hire and train new team members as needed.
• Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers.
• Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.
• Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities.
• Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.
• Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business).
• Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.
• Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.
• Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.
• Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans.
• Participate in all aspects of product development and design.
• Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
• Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities.
• Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

Benefits

• Work life balance is a priority (work from home flexibility).
• Employee discount and product sample sales!
• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcome and safe.
• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.
• Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.
• Wellness Program including virtual fitness classes, personal health advocates, coaches, gym discounts and more.
• Access to in-site fitness center.
• Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.
• Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.

What This Job Offers

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