Head of Merchandising

Manière De Voir; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion brand in New York is seeking an experienced Head of Merchandising to lead their merchandising function. The role includes owning and executing the merchandising strategy across all product categories, driving assortment planning, and presenting strategies to senior leadership. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in merchandising in the fashion industry, along with strong leadership and analytical skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the brand's commercial success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in merchandising within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Proven experience in a senior merchandising role with people management responsibility.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the end-to-end merchandising strategy across all product categories.
• Drive assortment planning, line architecture, and category strategies to maximize sell-through and profitability.
• Present merchandising strategies, performance updates, and forecasts to senior leadership.

Skills

Commercial skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Merchandising to lead our merchandising function and drive the commercial success of the business. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will be responsible for building and executing a merchandising strategy that aligns with brand vision, customer demand, and financial objectives. You will lead a high-performing team and work cross-functionally with Design, Production, Marketing, and Sales to deliver compelling assortments that fuel growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the end-to-end merchandising strategy across all product categories
• Partner closely with the CEO to align merchandising decisions with overall business and growth strategy
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4 direct reports, fostering a collaborative and performance-driven culture
• Drive assortment planning, line architecture, and category strategies to maximize sell-through and profitability
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and customer insights to inform product decisions
• Oversee seasonal buy plans, pricing strategies, and margin targets
• Collaborate with Design and Production to ensure product reflects brand positioning, quality standards, and cost targets
• Manage inventory levels to optimize stock, reduce risk, and support sales growth across 3 internal warehouses, 1 third party logistics centre, multiple wholesale accounts and global retail locations.
• Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends to keep the brand commercially relevant
• Present merchandising strategies, performance updates, and forecasts to senior leadership

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in merchandising within the fashion or apparel industry
• Proven experience in a senior merchandising role with people management responsibility
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
• Deep understanding of the fashion market, consumer behavior, and trend cycles
• Experience working closely with executive leadership, ideally reporting into a CEO or equivalent
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on, results-oriented approach

What We’re Looking For

• A confident leader who can balance creativity with commercial rigor
• Someone comfortable owning decisions and influencing at the highest level
• A team builder who can develop talent and scale a merchandising function
• Passion for fashion and an instinct for what will resonate with the customer