Director, Merchandise Systems & Governance

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Merchandise Systems & Governance leads the strategy, governance, and continuous improvement of merchandising processes that enable accurate item setup, pricing execution, efficient product flow, and consistent in-store and online presentation. This role serves as the central operational hub for the Merchandising organization, ensuring alignment across Merchandising, Planning & Allocation, Supply Chain, Store Operations, Visual, eCommerce, and IT.

The Director oversees all merchandise systems and tools, defines operational standards, owns enterprise-level pricing and purchase order governance, and drives cross-functional execution that protects sales, margin, and inventory health. This role leads key operational initiatives, resolves enterprise-level issues, and champions a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the merchandising ecosystem.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Merchandising System & Tool Governance

• Lead the long-term strategy, governance, and optimization of all merchandising systems and tools (e.g., planning/allocation platforms, merchandising systems, pricing tools, inventory management solutions).

• Partner with IT, systems owners, and external vendors to manage system roadmaps, upgrades, integrations, and new tool implementation.

• Establish and enforce data accuracy, integrity, standards, and system usage protocols across all merchandising functions.

• Develop and deliver training, documentation, and change-management plans to ensure strong adoption and effective utilization of systems.

• Identify, prioritize, and advocate for technology enhancements that improve efficiency, automation, and operational accuracy.

Process Leadership

• Own governance and oversight of enterprise pricing execution, item setup, SKU creation, and purchase order creation processes.

• Lead the design, documentation, and optimization of merchandise operations workflows, tools, and communication channels to improve accuracy, clarity, and execution speed.

• Identify inefficiencies, root causes, and systemic issues; develop and implement process improvements that reduce errors and strengthen execution discipline.

• Oversee operational readiness for key merchandising milestones including seasonal transitions, promotional events, new product launches, and major resets.

Cross-Functional Alignment and Execution

• Serve as the central liaison across Merchandising, Planning & Allocation, Supply Chain, Store Operations, Visual, eCommerce, and Finance to ensure accurate and timely product flow across all channels.

• Lead alignment of operational inputs for promotions, signage, assortment transitions, and floor resets to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Partner with eCommerce and digital teams to synchronize product data, pricing, promotional information, timelines, and content for consistent omni-channel execution.

• Anticipate risks, remove operational barriers, and escalate enterprise-level issues that impact product flow, pricing accuracy, or customer experience.

Team Leadership & Influence

• Provide leadership, direction, and influence to cross-functional partners engaged in merchandise operations processes.

• Develop clear operating rhythms, expectations, and communication protocols that drive accountability, accuracy, and partnership.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making across the merchandising ecosystem.

• May oversee a small team or vendor/contractor resources; sets priorities, assigns work, and provides performance feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field; advanced degree preferred

• 8 years of progressive experience in merchandising operations, planning, supply chain, or retail operations.

• Deep understanding of retail merchandising processes including item setup, product flow, promotions, store execution and systems governance. 

• Strong experience in merchandising and inventory management systems; hi proficiency with Excel, reporting tools, and systems governance.

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives, influencing without authority, and driving execution across multiple teams.

• Proven ability to create and implement operational standards, process improvements, and governance frameworks.

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills; able to manage complexity, competing priorities, and tight deadlines.

• Experience leading change management, training, and system adoption efforts.

• Ability to identify operational risks, analyze root causes, and develop solutions that protect sales, margin, inventory health, and overall customer experience.