**Position:** Director of Merchandise Strategy and Execution **Location:** Fort Wayne, IN

**Job Id:** 1211 **# of Openings:** 1 **Director of Merchandise Strategy and Execution** The Director of Merchandise Strategy and Execution will have responsibility for key Category Management, Pricing and Learning/Development deliverables. The development of Category roles and their accompanying merchandising strategies are a key responsibility. This team member uses a continuous improvement approach to guide their team while developing and/or leading projects to design and implement new processes. This position is responsible for assessing assortment quality and performance, and will make recommendations when corrective actions are needed. To be successful in this position, the Director of Merchandise Strategy and Execution will have strong leadership and communication skills in order to lead a cross-functional approach with Sales and other Merchandising team members to deliver successful member programs.

Travel: Markets; member and vendor visits as required

Responsibilities:

* Provides leadership and direction for the Category Management, Analytics, Pricing, and Training/Development functions.

* Develops, implements and tracks success of category management strategies created with the Merchandising leadership team to drive profitable sales growth.

* Ensures the development and application of the pricing strategy for Do it Best stocking items

* Ensures training and development for key merchandising staff

* Provides leadership and direction for the Category Management, Analytics, Pricing, and Training/Development functions.

* Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff as needed in the department.

* Collaborates with divisional leaders to develop growth plans.

* Oversees the departments operating budget.

* Analyzes performance drivers, proactively determines actionable strategy, and then contributes to driving actions designed to achieve overall business goals.

* Oversees the development and execution of the plans for featuring product and planograms in special merchandising areas at spring and fall markets.

* Assists in setting and driving the overall Category Management strategy, goals and KPI

Education and Experience:

*Minimum*

* Significant industry experience in category definition and development, along with strategic direction and implementation.

* Bachelors Degree with 3-5 years of experience in retail/wholesale merchandise planning.

* Experience with product categorization, expertise in merchandising concepts and best practices.

*Desired*

* Retail sales or wholesale/distribution experience.

* Departmental/divisional leadership experience.

* Training and Development experience and a strong track record of results.

Skills and Abilities:

*Minimum*

* Demonstrated understanding of retail industry trends, consumer purchase behavior, and basic merchandising techniques

* Desire to lead and progress a team to drive efficiency and minimize lead time in projects.

* Quality focused and detail-oriented.

* Strong written/verbal communication skills with an aptitude for influencing.

* Strong analytical skills.

* High skill level at data mining, manipulation, and analysis.

* Ability to connect cross-functionally and influence others.

* Ability to work and think independently.

* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point) and the Google Suite of productivity applications (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, etc.).

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