VP, Brand Partnerships & Buying Lead, Men's Designer & Contemporary

Salary Range $219,000 - $285,000*

Job Description:

Role Summary

The Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Buying will play a crucial leadership role in developing and executing the merchandise strategy for designated divisions/categories. This position is responsible for translating broader merchandising and divisional strategies into category-specific plans, leading the execution of these strategies, and aligning product assortment with the company’s strategic goals.

The VP will drive collaboration across Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams such as Marketing and Digital, ensuring that all strategies are executed effectively to achieve financial goals. With a strong focus on brand partner negotiations, pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions, this leader will guide the business towards achieving growth and profitability.

Job Description

• Collaborate with the Brand Partnerships & Buying Leader to translate broader merchandising and divisional strategies into actionable category-specific strategies and tactics, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and financial objectives
• Orchestrate the execution of merchandise strategies by partnering closely with Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams, including Marketing and Digital, to drive cohesive product assortments and seamless execution across all channels
• Work directly with Buyers and their teams to ensure product assortment is fully aligned with category strategies and that the right products are available to meet customer demand
• Ensure the product assortment aligns with market trends, customer demands, and category strategies
• Continuously analyze product performance to optimize assortment strategies and drive profitable growth
• Support the BP & Buying Leader in vendor negotiations, ‘world of’ discussions, and top-to-top meetings, contributing to the development of strong partnerships and favorable terms that align with business goals
• Collaborate with the Head Of. Brand Partnerships & Buying Leaders, and Planning Leads to define and execute the pre-season and in-season roadmap, ensuring strategies and plans are aligned with financial targets and timelines.
• Work with Buying and Planning teams to determine final pricing, promotional strategies, and markdown decisions, ensuring consistency with category strategies while optimizing profitability and margin
• Collaborate with product development and merchandising teams to introduce innovative products that elevate the brand and resonate with customers
• Lead, inspire, and align buying teams around a shared vision and strategic direction, driving collaboration across functions to meet company objectives and deliver exceptional business results
  
  

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field
• 10 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, and brand partnership management, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives at a senior level
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, align, and lead teams to achieve business objectives
• Extensive experience in brand negotiations, vendor management, and translating broader strategies into actionable plans
• Deep understanding of retail merchandising, buying, and planning processes
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Customer-centric thinker who is “art” led, and “science” informed
  
  

Preferred Qualification:

• MBA or advanced degree preferred
  
  

Your Life And Career At Saks Global:

• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities
• A culture that promotes a healthy, fulfilling work/life balance
• Benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental).
• An amazing employee discount
  
  

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• The above expected salary range may have some variability based upon factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s overall experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply and, if selected to move forward in the interview process, you will have a chance to speak with our recruitment team regarding your specific salary expectations.