Director, Merchandise Systems & Governance

JOB SUMMARY

The Director Merchandise Systems & Governance leads the strategy governance and continuous improvement of merchandising processes that enable accurate item setup pricing execution efficient product flow and consistent in-store and online presentation. This role serves as the central operational hub for the Merchandising organization ensuring alignment across Merchandising Planning & Allocation Supply Chain Store Operations Visual eCommerce and IT.

The Director oversees all merchandise systems and tools defines operational standards owns enterprise-level pricing and purchase order governance and drives cross-functional execution that protects sales margin and inventory health. This role leads key operational initiatives resolves enterprise-level issues and champions a culture of accountability accuracy and continuous improvement across the merchandising ecosystem.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Merchandising System & Tool Governance

• Lead the long-term strategy governance and optimization of all merchandising systems and tools (e.g. planning/allocation platforms merchandising systems pricing tools inventory management solutions).

• Partner with IT systems owners and external vendors to manage system roadmaps upgrades integrations and new tool implementation.

• Establish and enforce data accuracy integrity standards and system usage protocols across all merchandising functions.

• Develop and deliver training documentation and change-management plans to ensure strong adoption and effective utilization of systems.

• Identify prioritize and advocate for technology enhancements that improve efficiency automation and operational accuracy.

Process Leadership

• Own governance and oversight of enterprise pricing execution item setup SKU creation and purchase order creation processes.

• Lead the design documentation and optimization of merchandise operations workflows tools and communication channels to improve accuracy clarity and execution speed.

• Identify inefficiencies root causes and systemic issues; develop and implement process improvements that reduce errors and strengthen execution discipline.

• Oversee operational readiness for key merchandising milestones including seasonal transitions promotional events new product launches and major resets.

Cross-Functional Alignment and Execution

• Serve as the central liaison across Merchandising Planning & Allocation Supply Chain Store Operations Visual eCommerce and Finance to ensure accurate and timely product flow across all channels.

• Lead alignment of operational inputs for promotions signage assortment transitions and floor resets to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Partner with eCommerce and digital teams to synchronize product data pricing promotional information timelines and content for consistent omni-channel execution.

• Anticipate risks remove operational barriers and escalate enterprise-level issues that impact product flow pricing accuracy or customer experience.

Team Leadership & Influence

• Provide leadership direction and influence to cross-functional partners engaged in merchandise operations processes.

• Develop clear operating rhythms expectations and communication protocols that drive accountability accuracy and partnership.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement operational excellence and data-driven decision-making across the merchandising ecosystem.

• May oversee a small team or vendor/contractor resources; sets priorities assigns work and provides performance feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Business Merchandising Supply Chain or related field; advanced degree preferred

• 8 years of progressive experience in merchandising operations planning supply chain or retail operations.

• Deep understanding of retail merchandising processes including item setup product flow promotions store execution and systems governance.

• Strong experience in merchandising and inventory management systems; hi proficiency with Excel reporting tools and systems governance.

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives influencing without authority and driving execution across multiple teams.

• Proven ability to create and implement operational standards process improvements and governance frameworks.

• Strong communication organization and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional communication organization analytical and problem-solving skills; able to manage complexity competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• Experience leading change management training and system adoption efforts.

• Ability to identify operational risks analyze root causes and develop solutions that protect sales margin inventory health and overall customer experience.