Director, Merchandising - Women's Franchises

At Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you're part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand — you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do.

We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you're starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead and help create feel good moments every day.

The Director of Merchandising develops the Omni Channel product strategies grounded in customer, business, or market insights.  This role leads a team in setting category vision, annual growth plans and product and pricing architecture to exceed financial goals and drive customer growth.  The role requires close connection to the customer, curiosity, innovative energy, and inspirational influence to lead a collaborative team in driving results.  Leaders in this position have the unique ability to zoom in and out, recognizing when their team needs support and leading by example.  Equally important as business results, this role is accountable for cultivating an inclusive, fun, and dynamic work culture.

 •    Customer-First: maintain a close connection via stores, associates, focus groups, online reviews and forums to ground all decisions
•    Drive the overall omni channel product strategy to deliver profitable growth, increase market share, improve productivity, and gain customership, all while aligning with overall Brand Strategies
•    Identify current and future trends as well as white-space opportunities to create product that consistently delights customers.  Closely monitor competition and key industry trends; translate takeaways into action
•    Lead and create seasonal product line plans grounded in fact and trend; communicate effectively to gain alignment
•    Deliver meaningful analysis of product performance (including nuances for dual, stores, and direct channels); leverage insights to drive action recommendations.  Effectively and concisely communicate results to leaders and other teams.  Partner with Inventory team on identifying weekly, monthly, seasonal agility opportunities
•    Collaborate with Design, Packaging, PFD, CSG, GVM, Planning, Inventory, Visual Merchandising, and Marketing to act as project manager for end-to-end concept to customer development. Lead business and creative decisions that result in final assortment and strategies.
•    Act as a cross-functional connector: communicate and engage to inspire and gain partnership
•    Foster and coach a multi-level team that is focused on delivering results and delighting the customer.  Distort time to people development and provide clear and frequent feedback
•    Lead the Merchant team through all milestones with an organized and collaborative approach
•    Manage up and manage down seamlessly: effectively communicate recommendations to your leader, and  expectations / direction to your team 
•    Maintain an inclusive, adaptable approach to all initiatives – business and team topics
•    Above & beyond: seek ownable initiatives beyond the day-day scope that will encourage growth and benefit total company
 

 •            10+ years of related work experience in brand development, merchandise buying and/or retail management
•            Strong understanding of vertically integrated retail operations
•            Successful track record for high volume business growth and bottom line results
•            High intelligence with a true entrepreneurial risk mentality, strong analytical and strategic thinking skills 
•            Acute sense of brand and customer intimacy with a fashion sense to envision and interpret trends 
•            Achievement oriented with solid management experience and demonstrated leadership ability 
•            Proficient in conflict management and problem-solving with an exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships 
•            Strong organizational skills and an ability to multi-task and prioritize 
•            Aptitude to innovate change through visionary thinking and strategic management 
•            Strong communication, presentation, negotiating and influencing skills 
•            Ability to lead and inspire with unquestionable integrity and trust 
•            Proven ability to identify, develop and retain top talent

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience 

• Drives Results
• Action Oriented
• Collaborates
• Decision Making
• Nimble Learning