Logo for World Market

Divisional Merchandise Manager

Roles & Responsibilities

  • 8-10 years of buying and management experience with a multi-unit retailer, including domestic and foreign travel and direct work with vendors.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, hiring, training, and development abilities with a track record of building and retaining talented merchandisers.
  • Excellent planning, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and merchandise software systems; ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Requirements:

  • Lead and manage a team of merchants, driving business strategies and developing team members' skills and capabilities.
  • Develop and execute assortments for an omni-channel business through trend research, comp shopping, international sourcing, and collaboration with vendors.
  • Own the business metrics by managing Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans, inventory planning, forward and in-season execution, and performance analysis to identify opportunities.
  • Build and manage relationships with internal stakeholders (Marketing, Visual, Ecom, Stores) and external partners (vendors); negotiate pricing and represent the division at vendor shows as appropriate.

Job description

Who We Are

For over 60 years we have shared stories from across the globe that remind you of a time you cherish, a place you love and people who make you feel at home. We have inspired the home decorator, entertainer and gift giver with our unique assortment of products designed and sourced from around the world and we continue to be inspired by you.

What You’ll Do

As a Divisional Merchandise Manager, you will be a part of a dynamic Merchandising team.  You will lead a group of merchants and manage a complex of substantial volume.  You will also be part of the overall leadership for Merchandising.

  • You will lead a team of merchants (some combination of Buyers, Associate Buyers and Assistant Buyers), providing professional coaching, feedback and development.

  • Together with your team, you will develop unique product assortments for our omni-channel business through analysis, trend research and international sourcing.

  • You and your team will be responsible for multiple categories and have financial accountability for all key metrics. 

  • You will build relationships with external and internal partners and assist in bringing exciting product to life, including Inventory Management, Marketing, Ecommerce, Stores, Visual, agents, and vendors. 

In this role, you will:

Lead and manage a team of merchants/demonstrate strong leadership behaviors:

  • Lead a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life.

  • Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities.

  • Hire and train new team members as needed.

Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies:

  • Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers.

  • Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.

  • Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities.

  • Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.

  • Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business).

Drive the Business:  Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility:

  • Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.

  • Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.

  • Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.

  • Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans.

  • Participate in all aspects of product development and design.

  • Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.

Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs:

  • Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities.

  • Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

What You’ll Bring

  • Passion for the business.

  • A high level of business acumen, mental agility, and intellectual curiosity.

  • A keen eye for style and trends.

  • Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.

  • Proven ability to hire, train, develop, and retain direct reports.

  • Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.

  • Strong analytical skills and an ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.

  • An enthusiasm for travel and exploring and the ability to travel domestically and possibly internationally to vendor shows, showrooms, and factories as needed for your department.

  • Excellent planning and negotiation skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present opinions and ideas compellingly.

  • Strong PC skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with merchandise software systems.

  • Minimum 8-10 years buying and management experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic and foreign travel and direct work with vendors.

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.

Why We Love It

  • Work life balance is a priority (work from home flexibility).

  • Employee discount and product sample sales!

  • A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcome and safe. 

  • A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.

  • Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.

  • Wellness Program including virtual fitness classes, personal health advocates, coaches, gym discounts and more.

  • Access to in-site fitness center.

  • Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.  

  • Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.

CA Pay Range is $190,000 - $220,000 annually

#LI-LO1

Full time and Part time associates are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) retirement savings plan after three (3) months of service.

Benefits for full-time employment on the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment include offerings for programs including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, Commuter Benefits and Employee Assistance.  

If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the on-line application, please contact the Human Resource Department:

Phone: 1-833-680-2399

Email: hrsupport@worldmarket.com

This email address is only to request reasonable accommodation for the application process due to a medical condition. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation for such reason, please use the apply button below to complete an application and upload your resume.
 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which depending on your location may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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