REI - Seattle, WA
posted 22 days ago
Full-time - Senior
Seattle, WA
10,001+ employees
Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
About the position
The General Merchandise Manager (GMM) at REI plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the omni-channel product strategy for Actionsports and Outdoor Hardgoods. This position is responsible for creating and executing merchandising strategies that align with the Co-op's goals, driving sales growth, sustainable profitability, and increased market share. The GMM will lead a merchant team, manage vendor relationships, and ensure the company remains relevant by understanding market trends and consumer behaviors.
Responsibilities
- Develop and communicate a clear merchandising vision and strategy.
- Lead the identification and implementation of new business strategies and product lines.
- Drive initiatives to enhance customer experience and meet financial targets.
- Set assortment architecture framework and pricing strategy for all categories.
- Analyze data to understand market trends and consumer behavior for product strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing and digital merchandising to create product presentations.
- Monitor operational statistics and take appropriate actions based on trends and variances.
- Recruit and build high-performing teams that inspire creativity and problem-solving.
- Provide coaching and leadership support to achieve division and company results.
Requirements
- Significant experience in merchandising and strategy development in retail or brand.
- Knowledge of industry activity, brands, and product trends.
- Proven track record of delivering strategic and operational initiatives.
- Ability to assess business risks and collaborate to mitigate them.
- Understanding of product lifecycle management and vendor negotiations.
- Experience with demand planning and forecasting using merchandising software.
Nice-to-haves
- Undergraduate degree and MBA from a leading program are highly desirable.
Benefits
- Generous employee discount
- Access to health benefits
- Retirement savings plan
- Accrued time off
