The Director, Merchandise Operations is responsible for developing and executing strategies to optimize the buying process, support product assortment, and enhance cross-functional collaboration. This position ensures seamless execution across planning, allocation, and inventory management to meet business objectives and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
•Lead the operational execution of the merchandising strategy across all product categories, aligning with buying teams to ensure effective product launches, promotions, and seasonal rollouts.
•Design and implement streamlined processes and tools to improve efficiency within the buying team. Identify bottlenecks, recommend improvements, and ensure teams have the resources to execute effectively.
•Serve as the primary liaison between the merchandising, marketing, finance, and inventory planning teams to ensure alignment on sales targets, promotional strategies, and inventory levels.
•Partner with the planning and allocation teams to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. Oversee inventory levels and manage stock allocations to optimize turnover and minimize markdown risk.
•Develop and maintain key performance metrics for buying operations, providing insights and actionable data to drive decision-making. Regularly present reports to leadership on buying efficiency, inventory health, and operational costs.
•Work with the buying teams to enhance relationships with key vendors, ensuring strong terms, consistent supply, and optimal cost negotiations.
•Lead, mentor, and develop the merchandising operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Ensure alignment of team goals with overall company objectives.
•Oversee the budgeting and financial planning for merchandising operations. Track operational expenses and ensure the organization is maximizing ROI on merchandising initiatives.
•Strong understanding of retail buying cycles, inventory management, and product lifecycle
•Ability to foster relationships across departments, from merchandising and marketing to finance and planning
•Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
•Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data to inform strategic decisions
•Leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on mentorship and development
Qualifications
•Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field
•8+ years of experience in retail buying, merchandising or merchandising operations
•Proven track record of success in operational leadership within a retail or e-commerce environment
•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in performance metrics and data analysis
•Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and influence cross-functional teams
•Proficiency in merchandising systems, planning tools, and inventory management software
•Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment with evolving priorities
•Proficient in Microsoft Office
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.
