Senior Director of Merchandising - Rugs, Lighting, Art, Accessories, Textiles
What Will You Do?
The Senior Director, Merchandising is responsible and accountable for establishing and driving execution of business priorities through the facilitation of product development inclusive of the collection, coordination, collation, management, and the utilization of a category product development input process for multiple product categories for the company.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
This position will work with Merchandising leadership to formulate and guide the category development strategy for assigned product categories.
Additionally, the Senior Director, Merchandising is responsible for working with a variety of internal and external teams and senior executives utilizing a data input-based process in developing the category product development strategy.
The role of the Senior Director, Merchandising is to drive Ashley to meet its strategic goals to ensure Ashley continues to grow and thrive.
Directly lead and inspire a team of Category Merchants, coordinating and managing the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area's goals. Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to.
Merchandising Execution
Determine appropriate competitive strategies to drive category product development, good/better/best quality merchandise assortment and quantity, purchase, pricing, margin, promotion and clearance to complement the other product categories and maximize return of advertising investment.
Review and analyze consumer demographic and psychographic characteristics, fashion trends, retail landscape and other relevant data to stylistically interpret, financially plan for and react to emerging market trends and conditions.
Analyze and interpret sales data and customer feedback to continuously improve merchandising and assorting strategies.
Develop KPIs and metrics to measure the effectiveness of merchandising efforts and make data-driven decisions.
Travel to retail store locations to conduct velocity walks; review and evaluate product mix and gain insight regarding quality or other issues and translate those findings into executable plans.
Provide product development recommendations to the in-house design team; bring fresh perspectives to the table that reflect price point and design trend needs.
Travel domestically and internationally to corporate, manufacturing plants, trade shows, markets and other events to observe market trends, gather product information, examine product quality and other attributes; select merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors, if necessary.
Serve as the product merchandise advocate for the enterprise stores as well as the licensee network.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Integration
Support marketing for promotion collateral development, as well as promotional calendar and market calendar reconciliation.
Partner with Store Design and Visual Presentation Teams to participate, as needed, in planogram and display concept set-up, as well as new store set-up.
Report to the executive team on the "state of the category" using financial analysis and other fact-based data in terms of current performance, new styles, trends, promotions, best sellers, etc.
Training and Development
Provide educational material to the field through launch process.
Develop training programs for in-store teams to ensure consistency and excellence in visual merchandising across all locations.
Mentor and develop the visual merchandising team, providing opportunities for growth and skill enhancement.
Team Leadership & People Development
Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities.
Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc.
Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring and administering performance reviews. Recommend, plan and/or implement employee training and skill development activities.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: 10 years' experience in purchasing, buying, merchandising, brand management, marketing or related field, preferably in home case goods in multiple, global locations, Required
Skills:
Strong attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Document management system
Analytical and problem solving skills
Maintain confidentiality
Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel to various retail locations as required.
Ability to lift and move merchandise and fixtures as needed.
Additional Information:
This position may require periodic travel to retail locations and industry events.
Who Are We?
At Ashley, we're more than a business...we're family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We're problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It's the reason we're always searching for better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.
Ready to grow? You've come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a "Growth Mindset", and once you join our team, you'll learn from the best in the business.
Apply today and find your home at Ashley!
Benefits We Offer
Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
Professional Development Opportunities
Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
Telehealth
401(k) and Profit Sharing
Life Insurance
Our Core Values
Honesty & Integrity
Passion, Drive, Discipline
Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
Dirty Fingernail
Growth Focused
To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page:
Ashley Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity unless an agreement is in place. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Ashley Furniture via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Ashley Furniture. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Ashley Furniture as a result of the referral or through other means.