Lead Merchant, Jack Purcell & Sport Authentics Footwear – Converse

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Converse is seeking a Lead Merchant for Jack Purcell & Sports Authentics to shape product strategy globally. You will drive seasonal line planning, assortment architecture, and cross-functional alignment with product management, marketing, planning, and marketplace teams across regions.

You will translate consumer insights and marketplace trends into actionable merchandising plans, manage timelines, and partner with geography teams to optimize franchise performance while staying deeply

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field.
• 5+ years of merchandising, commercial, marketing, product creation, retail, or analytics experience.
• Proven ability to influence across levels and communicate with clarity.
• Deep merchandising acumen with global marketplace dynamics.
• Strong analytical capabilities to translate insights into action.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage timelines and priorities.
• Proficient in Excel, Keynote, and PowerPoint.
• Open to work in Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Lead global line planning, assortment architecture, and seasonal merchandising strategy.
• Partner with geography and channel merchandising teams to incorporate regional insights into global strategies.
• Influence product creation decisions through consumer insights and marketplace trends.
• Analyze performance, trends, margins, lifecycle, and flow to identify opportunities.
• Manage seasonal line plans, product tools, and system accuracy across seasons.
• Build and maintain cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment at milestones.
• Support sample management, showroom execution, and compelling storytelling through presentations.

Skills

Merchandising strategy

Global mindset

Analytical skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Keynote

Cross-functional collaboration

Boston location

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field

Job description

About the Role

The Lead Merchant, Jack Purcell & Sport Authentics shapes the future of Converse product by driving seasonal and long-range merchandising strategies that connect consumer insights, global marketplace opportunities, and business priorities. The role sits within the Global Merchandising Footwear team, which brings product strategy to life for Converse consumers around the world. It reports to the Senior Manager of Global Merchandising, Jack Purcell & Sport Authentics, and partners closely with Global Product Management, Marketing, Planning, Channel Merchandising, and Marketplace teams, while maintaining strong alignment with the apparel and footwear businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global line planning, assortment architecture, and seasonal merchandising strategy for Jack Purcell & Sport Authentics
• Partner with geography and channel merchandising teams to incorporate regional consumer, marketplace and commercial insights into global franchise and assortment strategies
• Influence product creation decisions through consumer insights, marketplace trends, and business opportunities
• Analyse performance, trends, competition, margin, lifecycle, and flow to identify opportunities and inform decisions
• Manage seasonal line plans, product tools, and system accuracy across multiple seasons
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment at key milestones and decision points
• Support sample management, showroom execution, and compelling product storytelling through presentations

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field; any suitable combination of education, experience, and training will be accepted
• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, commercial, marketing, product creation, retail, or analytics roles supporting these functions
• Proven ability to influence across levels, drive alignment, and communicate with clarity
• Deep merchandising acumen with a strong understanding of global marketplace dynamics and franchise management
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to translate insights into action
• Impeccable attention to detail with the ability to manage timelines, deliverables, and multiple seasonal priorities
• Proficient in Excel, Keynote and PowerPoint
• Open to work in Boston, MA
• Consumer-obsessed merchant with a passion for product and a deep curiosity for culture
• Equal parts instinct and analysis, using data, marketplace insights, and consumer behaviour to inform decisions and unlock growth
• Thrives in fast-moving environments, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and builds strong partnerships across functions
• Collaborative problem solver who leads through influence, embraces accountability, and approaches every challenge with a learner's mindset

Salary

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $102,800.00 in the lowest geographic market to $210,000.00 in the highest geographic market; actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.

The Application Process

Converse offers a number of accommodations to complete its interview process.

1. Screen readers
2. Sign language interpreters
3. Accessible and single location for in-person interviews
4. Closed captioning
5. Other reasonable modifications as needed