Location: Dearborn

Department: Merchandising

Reports to: VP of Merchandising

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA: Exempt

Job Band: Executive 

 

 

Job Summary

The Director of Global Merchandising creates the strategy and owns the execution of merchandising multiple categories of business and sets category goals/plans with their planning partners within established goals of overall Carhartt 3-year product plan. They will direct the strategies across multiple functions and build strong collaborative relationships with internal/external partners.  This position requires category and consumer expertise and is responsible for developing the assigned category team to meet the current and future needs of Carhartt and its customers.  They are responsible for the execution of assortments and stories in the market, ensuring we deliver premium product experiences to our hardworking men and women.  They will champion the role of leader through business and teamwork/development.  This role will have P&L accountability for assigned categories, touching all channels of distribution.  This role will act as the merchandising team’s expert and lead strategist for the CCG (distributor) business channel.

We Are All Leaders at Carhartt

In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

 

Representative Responsibilities

Responsible for annual and seasonal financial (revenue) plan with Planning for assigned category to maximize product profitability, internal gross margin, and inventory management.  Lead the cross-functional evaluation of the CCG (distributor) and D2B businesses to determine the best long term strategy as well as the best approach to execute. Coach, mentor and develop the Bottoms and PPE Merchandising teams. Lead the day-to-day merchandising activities of a category/categories with a broader span and/or level of complexity within the Merchandising division.  Merchandising activities include but not limited to category merchandising, planning/allocation, design and supply chain.  Own the category’s product assortment and business strategies; with ownership over the final assortment decision.  Direct, develop, communicate, and drive seasonal, yearly and long-term business strategies. Develop and manage the department budget as well as reporting on qualitative and quantitative results Stay abreast of industry trends related to merchandising and focus on how these trends can influence and support divisional and company strategies.  Develop and foster key relationships with counterparts in Design, Development, Tech Design, Consumer Insights, R&D, Merch and Demand Planning, Integrated Marketing, Supply Chain, and Sales to maximize efficiencies, execution, delivery, profitability and revenue of the product by category.  Develop a deep understanding of our consumer, partnering with Insights as appropriate to prioritize research and leverage field tests, job site visits, surveys, focus groups, etc.     Ensure pricing, promotional strategies, and marketing support the financial objectives of the category while aligning with the brand vision.  Lead the SIOP process through partnership with Sales and planning operations to analyze sales, receipts, margin, inventory, and performance to plan. Assess risk and opportunity to achieve plan and make recommendations.  Lead an environment that promotes open communication, creativity, and sharing of ideas/ best practices between Business Units, merchandising functions, and resources to accomplish sales, margin, and service objectives. 

 

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Textile Design, Merchandising, Marketing, or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree. 

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum ten (10) years of progressive broad Product Management, Retail and Wholesale experience with emphasis on Merchandising planning/allocation and process, including five (5) years of leadership experience.  Apparel industry preferred.  Must possess experience in product, product management, market and consumer, and project management.  Strong strategic and analytical skills and aptitude with retail math and forecasting methodology.  Ability to formulate business strategies and implement shorter-term tactical plans that are cost-effective, efficient and realistic and leverage consumer insights.  Strong understanding of like brands within our industry including fashion and color trends, quality of materials and craftsmanship.  Comprehensive understanding of buying process from product acquisition to customer sales with the ability to understand and influence merchandising process.  Demonstrated ability to build and foster business relationships with cross functional teams, and internal and external partners.  Excellent interpersonal skills; and exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.  Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate.   Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, delegate work and concurrently manage multiple projects. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Typical office environment; cubicle/office setting. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.   National and International travel required (up to 40%). Ability to travel internationally is preferred.   This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities. Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

 

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