VP - DMM Accessories and Fine Jewelry

Divisional Merchandise Managers (DMM) are responsible for developing and communicating merchandise strategies to his/ her respective merchant team to meet or exceed sales, margin and turn targets. A DMM guides Buyers and Planners through the development of Merchandise Strategies and Assortment Plans to maintain the integrity of financial goals, product strategies and customer focus. A DMM works in partnership with the VPs of Planning to maximize overall financial performance of product categories and to develop a collaborative team culture within the merchandise pyramid.

• Partner with VP Planning to develop and communicate the merchandise strategy and sales and margin goals for each DMM division

• Collaborate with VP of Planning at beginning of Merchandise Financial Planning process to provide business specific insights and findings

• Develop and communicate strategic visions and goals, and customer and marketplace perspective, to respective cross-functional partners

• Provide guidance to Buyers to ensure merchandise strategies and assortment plans meet divisional objectives and align with customer and store needs

• Guide the open to buy process

• Attend relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe and stay current on market trends, gather product information, select merchandise and establish business relationships

• Foster strong relationships with key vendors to ensure partnerships that deliver strong product and financial results

• Build advertising vehicles that enhance the division brand, drive customer traffic and deliver return on investment

• Review and approve advertising strategies/ proposals from Buying staff

• Review and approve markdown strategies/proposals from Buying staff

• Focus on developing and maintaining bench strength

• Build a high quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback

• Facilitate team environment between Buying and Planning organizations

• Lead initiatives to instill best practices and develop support infrastructure

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree strongly preferred

• 6 - 10 years of retail experience; 3 - 5 in retail buying

Knowledge & Skills

• Effectively manages a large scope of responsibility to achieve financial targets based on a sound knowledge of merchandising concepts

• Thinks conceptually and strategically

• Is highly organized and multitasks

• Builds and maintains productive cross-functional relationships

• Prioritizes and manages workload and processes to meet company objectives

• Takes calculated risks to achieve results

• Crafts targeted and effective verbal and written communications

• Fosters a strong team environment and works effectively with management

• Adapts to shifting circumstances in a business environment

• Exhibits ethics, fairness & values-based decisions

• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, etc.)

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