HEAD MERCHANT - 15+ Years Experience

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Department: Planning/Merchandising

Job Summary:  Lead and execute seasonal product strategies for the company.  Responsible for direction and management of product including market competitiveness and pricing.  Strength in delivering and driving product that align with company objectives and financial goals.  Responsible in driving integrated, profitable, and relevant product assortments, ensuring the expression of the brand’s vision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Approach product strategy with a global perspective to maximize brand potential
• Work as a key liaison with design, production, sales, and marketing, orchestrating team efforts which build a line that  generates growth in sales and margin
• Manage all styles from inception through final product in accordance with corporate calendar to ensure timely delivery and successful calendar performance
• Prepare and lead seasonal adoption meetings
• Own competitive analysis and insights for all categories; forecasting trends and identifying voids in assortment
• Establish product planning and development strategies which include regular insight and bestseller reviews
• Partner with sales, and based upon collaborative analysis, recommend future actions to best maximize sales and minimize liability
• Work with head of sales to forecast projections and finalize buys
• Strategic partner to design, influencing the team to coordinate and present new, innovated ideas and seasonal inspiration  which supports product objectives  
• Partner with marketing to ensure marketing programs are both determined and achieved
• Set profitable margins plans, negotiate and approve all pricing and costs           
• Partner with head of manufacturing to determine and agree upon reasonable style count that achieves company goals and production capability; conduct regular check-ins to review flow and ensure season’s total plan is on target and not under or over develop
• Ensure department budgets are being managed and proper resources available to accomplish business needs
• Lead the product development/r&d functions including oversight of product developers and designers as well as product resources to define product strategy and roadmap from sketch to delivery
• Competitively shop for current and appropriate market trends, price points, and category opportunities
• Lead by example and effectively delegate work to team members

Qualifications:

• 15+  years of product/planning/merchandising experience in comparable industries, with at least 10 years in senior management
• Ability to plan and manage at both the strategic and operational levels
• Capacity to assume more significant executive responsibilities over time
• Proven success in creating successful teams/partnerships and independent management of any personnel related challenges and development

Travel Required:    25%    

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.