VP | DMM of Apparel

Job Summary:

The VP of Division Merchandise Manager (DMM) provides leadership and direction to the buying staff on the preparation of assortment plans that align with the merchandise strategy and support footwear/apparel merchandise plans. The position oversees Footwear/ Apparel selection, ensures performance to plan and coordinates overall merchandise strategies. Responsible for developing and executing a profitable, customer-focused merchandising strategy, while enhancing the overall department, group and company strategy. The VP of DMM leads an organization of buying professionals and works closely with the Director of Merchandising, Director of Merchandiser Planner and Director of Operations team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize stakeholder value.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Top-down direction to set the overall strategy and merchandise direction for the division
• Anticipates market/business trends and develops a plan for response
• Directs assortment selection process and reviews assortments for balance (brands, key items, core items, etc.) and adherence to strategic and financial objectives
• Oversees/participates in market visits
• Establishes and maintains effective vendor relationships and works with the buyers to strengthen market relationships and product and trend knowledge
• Understands competitors’ strengths, weaknesses and strategies
• Accountable for merchandise division performance, recommends revisions to the merchandise plan/forecast based on sound analysis and ensures corrective actions are implemented
• Works with the planning organization to develop assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items and vendor
• Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise
• Executes needed approvals for the team
• Resolves escalated buyer and associate buyer issues
• Coaches and develops Buyers, Associate Buyers and Buyer’s Assistant ensuring growth and readiness for next level position.
• Drives compliance and standards with processes, policies and tools within the group
• Partners with marketing and in-store marketing to develop the division/line promotional strategy
• Reviews and approves the promotional plans
• Oversees and approves line review

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Work requires a solid knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate with management, associates and customers.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, multi-task, set priorities effectively and efficiently to proactively respond to changing demands, from multiple sources
• Results driven with demonstrated critical and creative thinking skills. Project management, time management, analytical and superior organizational skills required.
• Must be able to maintain an exemplary degree of professionalism in all situations and the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to execute directives with precision and consistency.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment
• Must demonstrate an ability to think strategically, plan and organize effectively with the ability to manage a large team and drive results through others
• Excellent customer service skills, in person, on the phone and in writing
• Comfortable with team-based work structure and, when needed, the ability to work independently and remotely
• Demonstrate flexibility on the job and be available to work some Saturdays and evenings.
• Ability to adapt quickly and react to business needs and change
• Detail oriented, excellent time management with strong sense of urgency.
• Proven negotiation skills and financial analysis capability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop strong partnerships

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/ or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 – 10 years related merchandising experience, 6 – 8 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

General Information:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

DTLR, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.