Director Merchandising, Softlines (Uniforms)

Director Merchandising (Reports to President)

I.  Purpose/Summary:
Develop and implement the product strategy for $200 million direct marketer of Uniforms and Safety Equipment.  Work closely with the leadership in sales and each of the channels to drive profitable growth.  Manage Merchandising teams across multiple product categories.  Insure success in product selection, inventory planning, vendor identification and direction, negotiating price and delivery terms; with the accountability for driving product innovation and profitable growth.  This incumbent is accountable for key metrics and the success of the teams.

II.  Essential Functions (Areas of Responsibility/Accountability):
•  Works autonomously to develop a product strategy under the general direction of the President.  
•  Selects, develops and evaluates team members and is accountable for their success.  Drives improvement of results and processes within the team.
•  Leads key business initiatives and manages significant projects across functional lines.
•  Leads the team in vendor strategy development, including product selection, cost, delivery, vendor violations, rebates and coop advertising..
•  Works closely with corporate legal on any product and vendor related issues.
•  Drives for product exclusivity where appropriate.
•  Responsible for product innovation; knows the market and customer segments and works with the vendor community to identify new products to create and meet demand within his/her product categories.
•  Partners with advertising and web teams to properly display products in catalog and on the internet, including proofing of copy and images.
•  Works closely with the leadership of various channels to increase sales and margin.  
•  Provides leadership to develop a cost and pricing strategy for the organization.
•  Development and management of the product life cycles across the organization.
•  Drives a strategy to optimize inventory levels and availability across all channels.
•  Accountable for key metrics such as sales, margin, inventory, fill rate, obsolescence, etc.

III.  Qualifications (Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Systems or Applications):
•  Extensive knowledge of products in the categories to be managed.
•  Extensive knowledge of public safety industry a plus but not a musst
•  Highly skilled negotiator.
•  Business and Strategic planning capabilities.
•  Strong analytical skills
•  MACS, Oracle, Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint
•  10 years experience

This company is a dynamic direct marketing division of $14 billion business services company.  An outstanding work environment combined with substantial career growth opportunities make this recession proof business an ideal choice for any career oriented direct marketing softgoods merchant.