Director of Merchandising

Our client, a contemporary high-end womenswear brand is looking for a Director of Merchandising

Job Description:
The Director of Merchandising is a strategic leader responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and execution of merchandising initiatives to meet business goals. This role oversees product assortment, pricing, and inventory strategies while ensuring alignment with market trends, customer preferences, and brand objectives. The Director of Merchandising collaborates with cross-functional teams, including design, marketing, and supply chain, to optimize product performance and maximize profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandising strategy that aligns with the company's overall business goals and brand vision.
• Analyze market trends, sales data, and customer insights to inform product assortments, pricing strategies, and inventory management.
• Lead and mentor the merchandising team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment to achieve department goals.
• Oversee seasonal product planning, including category mix, pricing architecture, and key product stories to drive revenue and margin growth.
• Partner with design and product development teams to ensure product assortments reflect market demand and brand identity.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate terms, and oversee the sourcing and procurement of products to maintain quality and cost standards.
• Monitor inventory levels, ensuring a balance between meeting customer demand and optimizing stock turn and profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to align promotional strategies and product launches with merchandising goals.
• Track and report on merchandising KPIs, including sell-through rates, margins, and inventory turnover, to ensure ongoing performance improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in merchandising, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably within the retail or fashion industry.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting sales and market data to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with a proven track record of developing talent.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Proficiency in merchandising systems and tools, as well as advanced skills in Excel and data analytics.
• A deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics.

Hybrid: 4 days onsite