Director of Merchandising

Position Summary:

Awe Inspired is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Merchandising to lead our merchandising function, driving category growth, profitability, and brand positioning. This role will be responsible for full P&L ownership, overseeing assortment strategy, pricing, and inventory management to maximize revenue and customer engagement. The Director of Merchandising will collaborate cross-functionally to scale our product line and optimize performance through data-driven decision-making. This role is based in our Hollywood office, with a hybrid schedule of 2-3 days in-office per week.

Key Responsibilities:

Merchandise Strategy & Assortment Planning:

• Develop and execute a long-term merchandising strategy aligned with brand objectives and financial goals.
• Oversee category management, assortment architecture, and SKU rationalization to drive revenue, margin, and brand differentiation.
• Lead seasonal and evergreen assortment planning, ensuring a strategic balance of core, trend, and limited-edition offerings.
• Conduct competitive analysis and consumer insights research to identify whitespace opportunities.
• Own pricing and promotional strategies, ensuring alignment with brand positioning, financial targets, and market dynamics.
• Partner with Product Development and Design to evolve the product roadmap based on performance data and customer feedback.

Financial & Business Performance:

• Own and manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning, inventory forecasting, and replenishment strategies to maintain strong in-stock positions.
• Monitor and analyze sales, margin, and sell-through rates, identifying risks and opportunities to drive profitability.
• Develop and implement strategies for in-season business optimization, including markdown planning, liquidation strategies, and promotional cadence.
• Lead the development of merchandising KPIs and performance dashboards, ensuring insights drive decision-making across the organization.

E-Commerce & Marketplace Optimization:

• Partner with the digital team to enhance online merchandising, site navigation, and conversion optimization.
• Oversee marketplace and wholesale merchandising strategies, tailoring assortments to maximize channel-specific growth.
• Leverage data analytics and customer insights to personalize product recommendations and increase AOV.

Product & Operational Management:

• Own product lifecycle management, ensuring accurate line plans, delivery flows, and system updates in Cin7 and Airtable.
• Collaborate with Planning and Operations to ensure efficient inventory allocation and demand planning.
• Drive costing analysis, proposing strategic retail pricing to optimize margins and maintain brand equity.
• Oversee product data integrity, ensuring accuracy in SKU creation, PDP content, and marketing handoffs.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Team Development:

• Serve as a key liaison across Merchandising, Design, Marketing, Planning, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of launches and campaigns.
• Present business insights, assortment strategies, and financial performance updates to executive leadership.
• Foster a consumer-centric merchandising approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative insights into decision-making.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing merchandising team, driving process innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• 6 years of merchandising experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role at a high-SKU DTC brand (jewelry preferred).
• Proven experience in category management, financial planning, and assortment strategy.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros).
• Strong understanding of Shopify, Cin7, Airtable, and digital merchandising best practices.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Expertise in Google Suite and data visualization for compelling storytelling and executive presentations.

Benefits: 

• Attractive base salary and performance-based bonus
• Full healthcare benefits;
• 50% off all Awe products;
• Unlimited PTO policy;
• 4% 401k matching program; 
• Opportunity to create products that bring meaning and strength to women and minorities and supports those in need through our charity give back program;
• Trajectory and history of success at a brand that is profitable and operates in a fast-growing, highly-attractive market segment;
• Collaboration opportunity with enthusiastic founder team;
• Caring environment that values the societal impacts of its operations as much as financial gain.

Equal opportunity employer: 

Awe is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.