Senior Merchandising Manager

Consultative Search Group; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail consulting firm based in California is looking for a Senior Merchandising Manager to drive the strategic direction of merchandising efforts. The role involves optimizing product assortments and managing vendor relationships to enhance profitability. The ideal candidate will possess over 5 years of experience in merchandising, with strong skills in vendor management, data analysis, and team leadership. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of visual merchandising principles and techniques.
• Proficient in using relevant merchandising software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies to optimize sales.
• Lead a team, providing guidance and coaching for success.
• Negotiate favorable terms with top suppliers for high‑quality products.

Skills

Vendor management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field

Tools

Merchandising software

Inventory management systems

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Merchandising Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving the strategic direction of merchandising efforts, optimizing product assortments, and fostering strong partnerships with both existing and new vendors. You will play a key role in enhancing profitability, increasing sales, and ensuring that our product offerings align with customer needs and market trends. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic and innovative mindset to the team, contributing fresh ideas and best practices to enhance our merchandising approach and overall performance. Your expertise in vendor management, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration will be crucial to the success of the merchandising function.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies that align with business objectives, optimizing assortments and pricing to maximize sales and profitability.
• Lead and supervise a team of merchandising associates, providing guidance, support, and coaching to ensure their success and development.
• Identify and establish relationships with top suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and contracts to secure high‑quality products and timely deliveries.
• Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to adjust merchandising strategies effectively.
• Partner with buying, marketing, and inventory teams to ensure seamless execution of merchandising strategies and cohesive promotional activities.
• Oversee the creation of visual merchandising strategies, ensuring displays meet company standards and resonate with customer needs and seasonal trends.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to make informed decisions around product placement, assortment, and promotions.
• Manage product assortments to ensure optimal stock levels while collaborating with inventory teams to minimize excess and prevent stockouts.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess merchandising effectiveness and provide actionable feedback to associates.
• Work with the marketing team to design and execute promotional campaigns that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships, attending trade shows and industry events to stay updated on trends and new products.
• Oversee the purchasing process, ensuring timely order placement and efficient tracking to maintain product availability.
• Evaluate and improve merchandising strategies and processes to increase profitability and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably in a leadership role with a proven track record of driving sales and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of visual merchandising principles and techniques, with experience executing high‑quality product displays.
• Proficient in using merchandising software, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• In‑depth knowledge of market trends and the ability to stay updated on industry developments to inform merchandising strategies.
• Proven experience in product sourcing and buying within the retail industry, with a strong ability to negotiate favorable terms and manage product assortments effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and negotiate with suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, leveraging data to make informed decisions that drive profitability.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain high standards in merchandising, product placement, and inventory management.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining a high level of organizational efficiency.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Compensation

Compensation: $100,000‑$120,000 per year