Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM)

Divisional Merchandise Manager

The Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM) will be responsible for developing and executing profitable, customer-focused merchandising strategies that reflect and highlight the overall strategic direction of the division and company brand. This position will give direction and motivate staff in merchandise selection, tracking performance to sales and profit forecasts, creating merchandise pricing, and collaborating with other key internal departments.

Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities:

• Implement and educate staff to set the overall strategy and merchandise direction for the division
• Direct merchandise selection process and review assortments for balance (brands, key items, core items, etc.) in concert with strategic and financial objectives
• Maintain a high level of knowledge about competitors and their product offerings as well as the overall industry and economic conditions; prepare contingency plans based on these variables
• Establish and manage effective relationships with key internal partners including Production and Design, both personally and through the team, to maximize product and trend knowledge and develop programs that mutually benefit customers and the company
• Constantly track division merchandise performance, recommend revisions to the merchandise plan/forecast based on sound analysis, and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Coach, develop, and manage performance, either directly or indirectly, of Merchandise Managers, Merchandise Associates, and Assistants; implement succession plan and cultivate staff accordingly
• Understand and influence the strategic direction of department technology by working with the Planning and IT Teams to fully utilize and suggest improvements to the current system while developing and implementing new functionalities that will improve efficiency and accuracy
• Work directly with the Planning to develop assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items, and lines
• Establish collaborative relationships with Inventory and Allocation to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise and with Marketing Teams to develop promotional strategies
• Execute needed approvals for the team, resolve complex issues with key internal business partners, and ensure that the department and staff is fully compliant with company standards, processes, and policies

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, business, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in merchandise management with recent experience in apparel
• Experience leading a team and managing performance and development of employees

Skills and Behaviors

• Knowledge of retail revenue management, product distribution, and visual merchandising practices
• Exceptional internal relationship skills with ability to work as a team across functions and levels
• Capable of creating and understanding statistical and financial analysis related to merchandise issues
• Comfortable building and delivering presentations to large, executive and external field audiences
• Ability to work independently, lead others, and thrive in a multi-tasked, fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including ability to create dynamic executive presentations
• Knowledge of external or proprietary large retail POS, markdown, and planning and reporting systems
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups at all levels as well as the ability to successfully align with management in a corporate environment.
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Some travel necessary including store visits and periodic industry conferences

Hourly/Salary $115,000.00 - $225,000.00 Benefits include: Bonus eligible (depending on role), Paid Time Off, Employee Discount, 401(k) and company match, Wellness Reimbursement, Adoption Assistance, free backup care (for kids, pets & the elderly), choice of health insurance plans, company-paid life/AD&D, short and long term disability, a variety of voluntary benefits and an employee assistance program. Benefit offerings are subject to change and vary by role/level for each position. Respective waiting periods may apply to certain benefit offerings.

The Children's Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.