Divisional Merchandise Manager

Position Title:Divisional Merchandise Manager Essential Functions:OPERATIONS/FINANCIAL PRODUCT ASSORTMENT MANAGEMENT Pre-Line a) Analyze product trends and historical data and channel input at departmental level. b) Develop seasonal strategies based on analysis. Review financial targets with Planning at the department, class or style level as appropriate. c) Communicate strategies to design to align merchandising and design strategies. Line Assortment a) Develop assortment in partnership with merchandising, review with management. b) Participate as needed to complete initial floor maps. Work with visual and design teams to determine product placement within the store by delivery and store group. c) Refine line edits post-presentation by reassessing product assortment to insure it aligns with product strategies and meets financial goals. Incorporate channel needs. d) Review product assortment with cross-functional teams. e) Identify and recommend big ideas, key drivers, and promotional strategies, review to insure they meet financial goals. f) Partner with Planning to complete bottoms-up plans by determining quantities for all styles, evaluating at style, class and department level against initial plans, determining retail prices and reviewing with management. IN-SEASON MANAGEMENT a) Ensure the financial success of area by meeting or exceeding financial targets including sales, GM, GMROI and turn goals. b) Review sales performance and marketplace information to identify sales trends and business opportunities. c) Approve sales forecast with planner, review receipt reconciliation for accuracy and approval. d) Analyze OTB and take action as necessary by reviewing sales and inventory against financial goals, and recommending changes to future order quantities, deliveries, pricing or markdown strategies. e) Recommend changes to future product assortments or strategies. Communicate with design to add new products or make changes to future product, and review with management for approval. f) Review final floor maps with Visual Merchandising to confirm store placement reflects merchandising strategies. g) Maintain expert knowledge of customer base b leading/directing store visits. Evaluate product execution and point of view, get customer and store associate feedback. h) Lead/direct competitive analysis of both direct competitors and stores we look to for trend inspiration by shopping their store to evaluate product assortments, quality, pricing, merchandising strategies and business opportunities.COMMUNICATION a) Communicate with merchandising on sales, strategy, etc. to ensure the efficient integration of merchandising and design strategies, and that design is aware of factors that affect current and future business. b) Lead weekly cross-functional meetings to share information on current business issues. c) Communicate with Field to get input (e.g. on sales, fit, etc.) to use in planning future seasons and to improve in-season management. d) Communicate with Marketing regarding issues that will affect marketing. e) Communicate cross-band by sharing information (e.g. sales, trends, etc.) with counterparts, using relevant information as input for future assortments and strategies, and providing input in cross-divisional meetings.PEOPLE / LEADERSHIP a) Monitor development and performance of direct reports through regular meetings to discuss performance and development compared to goals, and maintain a dialogue regarding needs and concerns to aid in future development and increase retention. b) Monitor development and performance of indirect reports b reviewing progress against goals through direct reports and periodic meetings to develop or maintain relationships. c) Provide development and training to direct reports, cross-functional team members and others within the division through on the job training, behavioral feedback and modeling, coaching and identifying opportunities for formal training. Provide feedback on both strengths and developmental needs. d) Recruit and hire new staff by identifying candidates through contacts and executive recruiting, evaluating candidates and motivating high potential candidates to join the company. e) Manage cross-functional team relationships on an on-going basis by directing and focusing team objectives. Provide direction on strategy, vision, meetings, etc. to unify team towards a common goal. f) Act as a role model and provide leadership within the buying division and department by directing, focusing and inspiring team members to keep their efforts on track. Serve as the representative of the department or division (as needed within the company), and influence peers by sharing opinions and experiences.Education:Bachelor's DegreeYears of Experience:6-8 Years Qualified Candidates, please visit our website to create a profile and upload your resume: http://guessinc.com/Work/