AG seeks a Director of Merchandising to create and drive assortment strategies and select/develop products that meet financial plans / deliver targeted business results. The Director will drive cross-functional alignment with Design and Production to ensure the right product is delivered at the right time and cost. They will serve as the "strategic business driver" for the product creation engine, ensuring product presentation enhances the brand while achieving sales.
This is a full-time onsite role in South Gate, CA.
Responsibilities:
Develop and drive seasonal strategies that meet sales, gross margin, and percentage targets and align with the overarching company strategy.
To support company objectives, create and communicate seasonal line plans to guide design, product development, and production.
Merchandise and present seasonal product assortments that meet sales, gross margin $ and % targets.
Create assortment strategies with an understanding of fabric and materials, lead times, margins, and objectives to reach those goals.
Track daily business performance; Identify risks and opportunities for reacting to current business.
Create and communicate pricing strategies that align with brand positioning and financial targets.
Rank styles based on historical and current product performance and sell-through vs. buy.
Communicate to appropriate cross-functional partners.
Act as a reference point for sales offices regarding calendars, timelines, meetings, and deliveries.
Provide thorough and meaningful analysis of channels and effectively articulate learnings to management and cross-functional partners.
Maintain and demonstrate expert knowledge of the customer base through strong field relationships, frequent store visits, and constant contact for direct consumer feedback.
Maintain and demonstrate a constant understanding of the competitive environment.
Participate in fit sessions and review product details to ensure execution meets design aesthetic and remains commercially viable.
Effectively manage and develop direct reports.
Required Experience:
A minimum of 10 years experience, including 5-7 years of experience in denim (Wholesale, E-commerce, and Retail) and 2-4 years of management experience.
A broad global mindset with the ability to navigate effectively across different cultures, team norms, and behaviors
strong relationships and experience with product development, design, production, and buying teams
Five or more years in a senior leadership role with related responsibilities
Excellence in negotiating and utilizing discretion to make decisions to resolve complex business problems, maintaining professional composure, and maximizing opportunities to increase AG's profitability - all while maintaining positive relationships.
Strong analytical, research, risk management, decisiveness, project management, and business relationship skills
Must be a critical thinker and excellent communicator in working with both internal and external resources (written and verbal)
Excellent ability to multitask and manage complex projects and business relationships
Strong sense of design and color
Knowledge of fit and standard measurements
Expert level of understanding of fabric and garment construction