Lead Channel Merchandiser

Columbia Sportswear Company • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Channel Merchandiser is responsible for driving account-specific merchandising execution across key wholesale partners, translating channel strategy into actionable assortments, insights, and go-to-market plans. This role partners closely with Account Sales, Planning, and Marketing to deliver consumer-right assortments, compelling in-market storytelling, and profitable growth at the account level. Serving as the primary merchandising lead for assigned accounts and channels, the Lead Channel Merchandiser owns sell-in readiness, performance insights, and seasonal execution. This role ensures alignment with broader channel strategies established by Channel Merchandising leadership while delivering tailored, account-level success.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, planning, buying, wholesale, or account-facing roles
• Strong expertise in assortment planning, sell-through analysis, and retail dynamics
• Experience working with wholesale partners and sales teams
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategies
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and compelling presentations
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Nice To Haves

• A strong merchant who connects product, consumer, and account needs into clear assortment strategies
• Commercially driven with strong analytical and financial acumen
• A collaborative partner who thrives in cross-functional environments
• Skilled at influencing through insights, data, and storytelling
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously

Responsibilities

• Translate channel strategy into account-specific assortments, leveraging sell-through data, bookings, and market insights
• Analyze product performance and consumer behavior to inform future line plans, assortment strategies, and profitable growth
• Build consumer-right assortments that balance brand storytelling, innovation, pricing, and retail constraints
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Planning, and Marketing to deliver integrated account strategies and seasonal plans
• Lead sales meeting execution, including content development and compelling product storytelling
• Drive in-season and post-season insights, identifying risks, opportunities, and actionable strategies
• Establish and align assortment architecture, pricing strategies, and SKU productivity across accounts
• Own and manage SMU (Special Make-Up) processes end-to-end, ensuring brand alignment and financial success
• Identify and execute opportunities to increase volume, visibility, and cross-channel growth
• Monitor and drive account performance across revenue, margin, forecasting, and SKU productivity

Benefits

• 401k plan plus a generous company match
• medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account
• an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services)
• EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services
• extensive wellness benefits
• employee discounts
• a generous time off program

What This Job Offers

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