Merchandise Director WCN Group Walnut Creek, CA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $120,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Qualifications Market research experience within retail industry Communication with suppliers Teamwork Sales analytics & reporting tools Spreadsheets Merchandising Team development Retail category management Merchandising software Problem-solving Vendor relationship management Contracts Leading team collaboration initiatives Negotiating purchasing contracts Productivity software Supplier relationship management (SRM) Team motivation (leadership skill) Cross-functional communication Data analysis software Senior leadership Full Job Description Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and strategic Merchandise Director to lead our merchandising team and drive the success of our product categories. This leadership role involves overseeing category management, vendor relationships, and merchandising strategies to ensure alignment with company goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong data analysis skills, excellent cross-functional communication abilities, and proven expertise in team leadership and vendor negotiations. As a key decision-maker, the Merchandise Director will shape the product assortment, optimize sales performance, and foster collaborative relationships across departments and with vendors. Responsibilities Develop and execute comprehensive merchandising strategies to maximize sales and profitability across multiple product categories. Lead and manage the merchandising team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure high productivity and professional growth. Oversee category management processes, including assortment planning, inventory optimization, and market trend analysis. Utilize data analysis skills to interpret sales data, market trends, and customer insights to inform merchandising decisions. Manage vendor relationships by negotiating contracts, terms, and pricing to secure favorable agreements that benefit the company. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as marketing, supply chain, and finance to align merchandising initiatives with overall business objectives. Use merchandising software and spreadsheets to track performance metrics, forecast demand, and develop reports for senior management. Maintain strong communication channels with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve any issues proactively. Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to merchandising. Requirements Proven experience in category management or merchandise leadership roles within a retail or consumer goods environment. Strong data analysis skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel spreadsheets for reporting and analysis. Excellent cross-functional communication skills to coordinate effectively across departments. Demonstrated expertise in merchandising strategies and software tools used for category planning and execution. Experience in vendor relationship management and negotiation to secure advantageous terms. Leadership ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of industry best practices in merchandising, inventory management, and market research. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader passionate about driving retail success through innovative merchandising practices.