Vice President of Merchandising

Job Title : Vice President of Merchandising Company : Talenta Group (Representing a client in the retail footwear industry) Location : Gardena, CA Work Mode : Hybrid Position Overview : Talenta Group is representing a unique leadership opportunity in the retail footwear industry. Our client, a well-established company with a strong presence in the sneaker culture, seeks a Vice President, Divisional Merchandising Manager (DMM) to drive product vision and growth. This individual will bring a strategic, consumer-focused mindset to merchandising functions, blending financial acumen with a keen understanding of trends and the Latino community. Familiarity with brands and product preferences oriented to the Latino market is a critical requirement. The VP, Divisional Merchandising Manager will lead buying and cross-functional teams, shaping a consumer-centric product strategy that aligns with the company’s growth goals and reflects its commitment to sneaker culture. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and deep merchandising expertise, with an emphasis on delivering products that resonate with a diverse, community-driven consumer base. Key Responsibilities : Strategic Merchandising Vision : Develop and lead short, mid, and long-term product strategies to meet financial targets, enhance market leadership, and deepen consumer relationships. Vendor & Marketplace Leadership : Build strong vendor partnerships and negotiate terms to ensure advantageous pricing, delivery schedules, and product selection. Drive competitive advantage by leading market trends and identifying new brand opportunities. Consumer-Centric Approach : Utilize consumer insights and data analysis to craft strategies tailored to the Latino community and sneaker culture, creating excitement through relevant product offerings. Partner with Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Ecommerce teams to deliver a cohesive consumer experience. Team Leadership & Development : Mentor and develop a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of empowerment, calculated risk-taking, and continual improvement. Lead the performance review process and support succession planning to build a strong talent bench. Product Lifecycle & Financial Management : Oversee product lifecycle management from trend identification through scaling, leveraging financial insights to optimize product profitability and align with the company’s growth objectives. Ideal Candidate Profile : Experience : Minimum of 10 years in a specialty retail environment, with progressive buying and merchandising experience; expertise in footwear and familiarity with the Latino consumer market is highly preferred. Education : Bachelor’s degree in business administration, fashion merchandising, marketing, or a related field. Skills : Demonstrated ability to build strategic product assortments and negotiate effectively with major brands. Strong analytical skills and financial acumen, with experience driving business results. Excellent partnership and communication skills, capable of motivating and influencing cross-functional teams. Proven leadership in team development and talent management, fostering an environment of growth and excellence.