What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Merchandising & Product Development position at Moore & Giles?
Top Requirements:
- Must be on-site in Lynchburg, VA (not a remote role).
- Leadership experience – must have experience managing a team.
- Strong visual merchandising skills – including color storytelling and showroom/tradeshow design.
- Product development experience – in leather, textiles, or a similar industry.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software – for showroom and tradeshow layouts.
- Ability to travel – domestic and international tradeshow support required.
- Experience in sales and marketing collaboration – to support product positioning and storytelling.
- Strong organizational skills – managing product development timelines and inventory.
Job Overview
We are looking for a Director of Product Development & Merchandising to lead the development, presentation, and merchandising of our leather products. This role requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking to manage product launches, showroom and tradeshow displays, and merchandising initiatives for both our leather assortment (trade) and lifestyle goods (direct-to-consumer).
Key Responsibilities
Trend & Product Development
- Identify and integrate design and color trends into new leather product lines.
- Maintain strong relationships with tanneries, overseeing product development and feedback.
Merchandising & Visual Storytelling
- Develop strategies to highlight key collections and move inventory.
- Lead showroom and tradeshow displays to showcase the brand’s story.
Tradeshow & Showroom Management
- Use AutoCAD to design product layouts and merchandising plans.
- Manage tradeshow setup, logistics, and post-event lead distribution.
- Oversee showroom display updates and fixture installations.
Sales & Marketing Collaboration
- Support the sales team with client presentations, virtual shows, and product materials.
- Work with marketing to create engaging campaigns that enhance product storytelling.
Lifestyle Collection Support
- Assist with styling and execution of lifestyle product photoshoots.
- Provide AutoCAD support for finished goods development.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and mentor a small team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
- Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews.
- Encourage innovation and professional growth within the team.
Competencies
- Clear and professional communication (written and verbal).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while staying budget-conscious.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills using data-driven insights.
- Creative thinking and adaptability to market trends.
