OVERVIEW

The Director Merchandising is accountable for strategy development, execution, and team leadership for a specific product category. This position is responsible for evolving the short-term and long-term strategic merchandising direction in accordance with the larger strategic plan of the company. This role is responsible for leading a team of merchants to source and develop brand-name, exclusive branded products for a product division/category that will continue to enhance the Company’s brand, drive sales, and EBITDA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Merchandising/Product Development:

Direct merchandising team to conceive, implement, and measure programs to build sales and increase margin.Responsible for aligning the merchandising of a product category with the Company’s goals.Develop strong relationships with both vendors and internal teams to drive sales plans, co-op programs and promotions to build sales. Build appropriate vendor relationships that will ensure an influx of new product ideas and product support.Evaluate vendors and products to increase sales and profitability.Determine a strategy for a product division/category to develop exclusive products/product lines that complement and grow the current customer base:Domestic and international direct sourcing programsOriginal design servicesBranding strategiesCollaborative efforts with vendors/personalities to develop design concepts and product line.Work with internal teams (including Legal, Operations, and Customer Solutions) to ensure both that vendors meet all minimum quality requirements and that ongoing compliance is in line with Company standards.Understand competitors and the threats/opportunities to the division’s/category’s business.

Strategic:

Create a brand positioning strategy for a product category that is in line with the strategic direction of the Company.Work closely with leadership (Sr Director Merchandising, VP and or SVP Merchandising) to drive the category’s business plan. Identify areas of growth while managing areas of risk.Work closely with Merchandise Planning partners to ensure strategies and execution are in synch.

Financial:

In partnership with leadership (Sr Director Merchandising, VP and/or SVP Merchandising), develop sales, inventory and margin plan for the product division/category and execute to achieve or exceed plan.Develop strategies in support of the Company’s financial goals.Assist leadership in creating annual budget and monitor performance to achieve budgeted results.Set challenging goals and drive for results.

Leadership:

Create a culture within the division or category that empowers and motivates the team to achieve great results.Provide annual goals and deliverables and hold the team accountable.Ensure that roles are clearly defined.Grow, mentor, retain, and develop buying team.Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience10+ years of relevant merchandise management experienceFinancial acumenExtensive merchandising experience in targeted product categoryExceptional leadership skillsAbility to communicate strategy into an actionable planAbility to travelIt is essential that the duties of this role be performed onsite at IV Media’s facility

CAREER PATH

• Director Merchandising > Sr Director Merchandising > VP Merchandising > SVP Merchandising

Equal Opportunity Employer