Director, Merchandising Initiatives

Job Description

• OVERVIEW OF ROLE

   

  The Director of Merchandising Initiativesis responsible for the strategy and successful delivery of major established and emerging initiatives across the company and supporting business development activities. In partnership with the GMM and senior merchant leaders, the Director will establish the holistic merchandising vision and strategy and ensure the successful execution of major initiatives across Outlets. This role will also be responsible for identifying emerging initiatives across the business and working with leaders from merchandising and partner functions to execute. Finally, this role will support business development activities, including interfacing directly key vendors to advance the strategy and objectives of Outlets.

   

   

   

  PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

   

  • Plan and implement successful execution of major merchandising initiatives (i.e. new Outlet‘s concept stores and Canadian business ) by:

     

    • Partnering with the GMM and merchant leaders to establish a holistic merchandising vision and strategy that is elevated, differentiated and productive

       

    • Working both within the Merchant teams and across functions (e.g., Planning, Marketing, Store Planning, etc.) to ensure that the vision and strategy is executed in accordance with financial targets, budgets and deadlines

       

    • Supporting each new initiative through its first full year of operation and modifying the merchandising strategy accordingly

       

  • Identify and execute emerging merchandising initiatives in partnership with the GMM and merchant and cross-functional leaders

     

    • Proactively identify merchandising opportunities (through industry research, business results, key merchant meetings, discussions with merchant leaders, store visits, etc.) and gather  input from merchant and cross-functional leaders on potential opportunities

       

    • Critically assess each opportunity and prioritize according to potential financial and strategic impact

       

    • Partner with the GMM and merchant and cross-functional leaders to plan and execute against each prioritized initiative

       

  • Spearhead establishment of key standards and processes for business driving practices that grow results and efficiency

     

    • Audit current practices, results and efficiency to ensure usage of confirmed standards

       

    • Work with merchant leaders to offer course correcting strategies (training, streamlining data and information)

       

    • Assess usage of template and results

       

  • Manage gathering/ updating of information, updaters, relevant metrics etc. for critical leadership meetings

     

Qualifications

Knowledge – level of education required, special certifications or licenses

• BSB, BA, or equivalent 4 year college degree from a top university

Skills – job specific knowledge and abilities, general business acumen, other required skills

• Able to build strong working relationships with Merchant leaders and teams and cross-functional leaders / teams 

• Strong project management skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to build / maintain strong vendor partnerships

• Strong communication and negotiation skills

• Demonstrated managerial and leadership skills

• Proven ability to create and execute a sound business strategy

• Strong business and financial analysis skills

Experience – level or related/unrelated work experience, number of years in prior jobs

• 5 years of progressive merchant experience

   

• Consulting or similar strategy background

   

• Experience working with executive leadership in some capacity

   

Competencies – technical or other skills such as position specific software, financial skills, leadership, team building, training

• Exceptional Powerpoint skills, proficient in Excel, Outlook etc.

   

• Basic understanding of all business functions (Finance, Marketing, Operations, Product etc.)

   

• Demonstrated capability of leading cross-functional programs