Director, Merchandising NA - Converse

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a Director of Merchandising. As a key member on the North America Merchandising team, this candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding of the consumer, marketplace and business, and an ability to drive strategy and influence cross-functional partners throughout the go-to-market process. An expert in merchandising principles and deeply engaged in the business to lead highly collaborative teams in delivering best-in class product strategies. They will champion the role of a leader inspiring teams by fostering a culture of agility and continuous learning.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

This position defines and oversees the merchandising strategy, vision and execution aligned with the company’s strategy to achieve growth and profitability, while creating best-in class experiences for our consumer. Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement merchandising plans including line planning, product segmentation, lifecycle management, pricing, assortment maximization, and identifying new growth opportunities.

• Team Leadership:

Develop and mentor the team by setting clear expectations, creating accountability, and driving standardization. Foster open communication, creativity, and idea-sharing among teammates and functions.

• Consumer-Centric:

Obsess our consumer. Putting the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Use trend and market data as well as hold focus groups to gain insights and shape seasonal product priorities.

• Marketplace Analysis:

Balance long term strategy growth and immediate business needs based on sales trends, consumer insights and business KPI’s to manage in-season risks, identify and maximize opportunities for growth and innovation and influence the future.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with other functions, such as marketing, sales, planning and global product and consumer merchandising, to align merchandising strategies with overall business goals.

• Performance Measurement:

Monitor and evaluate merchandising performance, identify areas of improvement and optimization and celebrate wins to build on for the future.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

This role will lead as a thought partner and communicate seasonal strategies and business / consumer insights into key cross functional partners and leadership across global product and consumer merchandising, channel merchandising, marketing, planning and sales.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 8 years of relevant work experience with emphasis on consumer, product management, merchandise buying/ planning and marketplace knowledge

• 3 years of people leadership experience

• Ability to think creatively, strategically and technically; balancing working at both the operational and strategic level

• Strong understanding and passion for product, consumer, and store / digital experiences

• Deep knowledge of merchandising principles, consumer and market trends

• Excellent leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across functional lines and levels

• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, delegate work and concurrently manage multiple projects

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Business, Merchandising or related field; or equivalent combination of education, experience, or training

• Footwear industry experience preferred

• Ability to travel 20%

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.