Divisional Merchandise Manager

Job Overview:
Responsible for overseeing the execution of merchandise selection and procurement for a particular segment of the business. Sets the merchandise direction to ensure a focused continuity on the selling floor within the family of business. Develops strategy to ensure customer satisfaction and maximize business performance and profitability, maximize promotional strategy, competitively dominant merchandise assortments and by-store profit maximization.

Core Responsibilities:

	Supports company direction and develops strategies in support of the total company.
	Manage, coach and develop buying staff.
	Fosters an environment that promotes personal development of buyers and their businesses, high morale amongst entire buying team and personally sets the example for development of associate and assistant buyers.
	Sets the overall strategy and merchandise direction for the division.
	Direct buyers to develop assortments that support the needs of the customer and the financial objectives of the merchandise division.
	Ensure that pricing, promotional strategies, and marketing support the financial objectives of the merchandise division.
	Works with the planning organization to develop by-store assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items and vendors.
	Work with the buyers to strengthen market relationships and knowledge of market trend, strengths and weaknesses.
	Understand competitors strengths, weaknesses and strategy.
	Facilitate and promote timely communication and cooperation between stores, merchandising functions, and resources.

Skill Summary

	Minimum of 7-10 years of retail management/buying experience in a full-line department store or specialty store.
	Strong leadership profile.
	Highly organized and ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
	Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
	Strong negotiation skills.
	Ability to work well with all levels of management, build partnerships and direct teams.
	Ability to develop and empower a team.