Merchandise Director

We are seeking an experienced Sr Manager or Director of Merchandising to join a multi concept retailer based in Cincinnati. The ideal candidate will come from the home, gift, apparel and logo wear industries. You will lead a team of 4 buyers and report directly to the CEO.

• Lead the planning, selection, and presentation of merchandise across all retail locations.
• Develop and execute merchandising strategies aligned with brand positioning, customer expectations, and sales goals.
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and customer insights to optimize assortment and pricing strategies.
• Build and manage strong vendor relationships, including negotiating terms and ensuring timely product delivery.
• Oversee and implement inventory planning, allocation, replenishment, and markdown strategies to maximize margin and turn.
• Partner with marketing, operations and store managers to develop promotional concepts, plan effective store layouts and create dynamic visual presentation strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team.
• Monitor KPIs and prepare clear, data-driven reports on sales, inventory, budgets, and merchandising initiatives for senior leadership.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, and relevant regulations.
• Assess and synthesize current performance, data, trends and create reports and communications that are clear, concise and effective across the organization.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in retail buying or merchandising, including leadership responsibility.
• Strong analytical thinking includes numerical skills to calculate margins, gross profit and markup/markdown rates.
• Proven experience managing vendor relationships and developing long-term partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).