Vice President - Merchandising (Budget Control)
About this position
Responsibilities
• Merchandising Strategy:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive merchandising strategy that aligns with overall business goals.
- Analyze market trends and customer insights to enhance product assortment and pricing strategies.
• Budget Control:
- Set and manage the annual merchandising budget, ensuring expenses are controlled and aligned with forecasts.
- Monitor sales trends and make informed spending decisions to maximize profitability.
• Open-to-Buy (OTB) Management:
- Implement effective OTB strategies to optimize inventory levels and ensure adequate stock for sales opportunities.
- Analyze monthly sales and inventory levels to make timely adjustments to OTB plans.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
- Lead and mentor the merchandising team, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and finance, to ensure cohesive strategies and execution.
• Performance Analysis:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of merchandising initiatives.
- Conduct regular analysis of sales performance, inventory turns, and markdown effectiveness.
• Vendor Relations:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and drive product innovation.
- Collaborate with suppliers to assure product quality and timely delivery.
• Market Research:
- Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify new trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Stay informed on industry developments and adjust strategies as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in merchandising, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in budget control and OTB management required.
- Skills:
- Strong analytical and financial acumen.
- Proven ability to develop and execute merchandising strategies that drive results.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in merchandising software and data analysis tools.
- Ability to travel as needed for vendor meetings and trade shows.
- Strong negotiation skills and a results-oriented mindset.