Vans: Director, Merchandising, Women's & Kids Footwear

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live "Off The Wall" - embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday's "Off The Wall" moment is today's new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us - our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live "Off the Wall," Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or

What will you do?

A day in the life of the Director of Merchandising - Women's and Kids Footwear at Vans looks a little like this.

The Director of Merchandising for Women's and Kids Footwear will play a pivotal role in driving the global merchandising strategy, ensuring alignment with the brand's overarching vision while meeting regional marketplace needs. The Director will oversee the development of a compelling, consumer-centric product assortment that balances brand consistency with commercial success, utilizing data and insights.

Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

Strategic Vision & Alignment:

Drive the global merchandising strategy for Women's and Kids Footwear.

Ensure alignment between the brand's vision and regional marketplace needs in close partnership with regional merchandising leads.

Oversee the development of a compelling, consumer-centric product assortment that balances brand consistency with commercial success, utilizing data and insights.

Product Development & Collaboration:

Partner with design, marketing, and cross-functional teams to create a cohesive and innovative seasonal product line.

Ensure global consistency with regional relevance.

Supervise the execution of pricing, lifecycle management, and product attribute conventions to optimize revenue, profitability, and brand integrity.

Financial Accountability:

Achieve and exceed financial targets for assigned categories.

Work closely with planning teams to meet revenue, margin, and sell-through goals.

Manage the design process budget, ensuring financial targets and KPIs, such as gross margin, style complexity, and global commonality, are met.

In-Season Business Analysis & Future Planning:

Lead in-season business analysis in collaboration with regional merchandising and planning teams.

Identify opportunities for future development, including speed lanes and agile responses to market demands.

Monitor progress and adjust strategies to ensure timely and accurate execution of the seasonal line plan.

Team Leadership & Development:

Coach and develop the global merchandising team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Ensure the continuous development of team capabilities through training, mentoring, and performance management.

Creative Strategy & Innovation:

Partner with global product leaders and regional partners to craft compelling seasonal and annual product stories.

Drive brand loyalty through innovative and resonant product narratives.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you'll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 10+ years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in merchandising, product development, or related roles within the footwear industry.

Proven track record of achieving financial targets and driving commercial success.

Strong leadership skills with experience in team development and performance management.

Excellent analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and insights for strategic decision-making.

Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field; MBA preferred.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

Hiring Range :

$155,520.00 USD - $194,400.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential : This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation : You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

P lease note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at . VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.