Senior Merchant

Bass Pro Shops; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bass Pro Shops is seeking a Senior Merchant to lead end-to-end category strategy across omnichannel sales. You will partner with Merchandising Planning, Product Development, Sourcing and Marketing to optimize assortment, pricing, and inventory while delivering compelling brand storytelling.

In this role, you will analyze trends, coach 1–3 Assistant Merchants, and drive growth through data‑driven decisions that balance customer needs with financial performance across Retail, Catalog, and Digital

Job description

The Senior Merchant is a strategic leader responsible for driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity for assigned merchandise categories across Bass Pro’s omnichannel business. This role combines customer‑centric assortment planning, vendor partnership, and data‑driven decision making to deliver compelling product stories that align with Bass Pro’s brand, heritage, and outdoor lifestyle mission.

The Senior Merchant operates with a high degree of independent judgment, serves as a thought leader within the merchandising organization, and plays a key role in developing talent and influencing cross‑functional partners.

Essential Functions

• Own and drive the end‑to‑end category strategy, setting the vision and long‑range growth plan with limited oversight
• Partner closely with Merchandise Planning to build and manage robust financial plans that deliver sales, margin, and inventory turn goals
• Anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and proactively mitigate risk using customer insights and competitive intelligence
• Ensure category strategies align tightly with Bass Pro’s brand promise, values, and enterprise goals
• Lead assortment planning and buying decisions across all channels with a sharp focus on the customer
• Own vendor pricing strategy, negotiations, and programs while maximizing margin and value
• Drive performance reviews and continuous improvement through competitive pricing and assortment analysis
• Make confident lifecycle decisions that keep assortments fresh, relevant, and productive
• Champion the growth of Bass Pro Shops Proprietary Brands, identifying white‑space opportunities and emerging trends
• Partner with Product Development, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver differentiated, high‑quality products
• Set the strategic direction for proprietary brand launches and storytelling in collaboration with Marketing and Creative teams
• Ensure products consistently reflect Bass Pro quality, authenticity, and outdoor credibility
• Own in‑season business performance, analyzing trends and taking decisive action to drive sales and profitability
• Maximize inventory productivity through smart markdowns, replenishment insights, and timely pivots
• Actively monitor customer feedback, reviews, and quality metrics to protect the customer experience
• Move fast, think strategically, and solve complex problems in a dynamic retail environment
• Select and lead products for key promotional moments across Retail Flyers, Catalogs, Digital, and special campaigns
• Shape promotional strategies that excite customers while protecting financial performance
• Ensure best‑in‑class product content and accurate information across all digital platforms
• Partner cross‑functionally to tell powerful product stories that inspire customers to get outdoors
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 1–3 Assistant Merchants and/or Merchants
• Be a visible role model, mentor, and culture carrier within the merchandising organization
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Retail Operations
• Influence outcomes through strong relationships, clear communication, and decisive leadership