Director of Merchandising and Retail Development

The Generator Group ? Consumer Products Team is an executive retained search team that specializes in recruiting projects in the footwear, apparel and sporting goods industries.

Our client is seeking a Director of Merchandising and Retail Development for their exclusive athletic apparel line. The Director of Merchandising and Retail Development will develop and manage the execution of annual/long range operating plans and business objectives for assigned businesses, and manage and coordinate the development, execution and performance of businesses at their client retailer located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This position must be aware of retail and fashion trends, and implement overall business strategies for assigned businesses that ensure achievement of product line execution, sales and profitability objections for the company and retailer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Handle the financial and business management of the long range and annual operating plans. This entails development of objectives, strategies and action plans necessary for the successful execution of business operating plans. Work with the retailer?s merchants and the company?s marketing, design, sourcing, product development, sales, finance and operations to assist Activewear General Manager in developing long range/annual program financial projections. Must utilize product knowledge and development expertise to bring product to market that best meets the brand consumer?s needs. Develop annual operating plans for assigned businesses, including objectives, strategies and action plans. Manage the execution of assigned businesses coordinating the efforts of the internal matrix organization, external suppliers and the retailer. This position must be able to understand and communicate the retailer and the company?s strategic as well as plans for maximizing the brand. In collaboration with design and marketing, be responsible for managing, monitoring and directing program line development, including product line parameters, line adoption, demand planning, process evaluation/improvement, and supporting calendar adherence. Supervise and direct the brand initiatives within a matrix management structure. Be responsible for developing individuals in the work group, including ongoing personnel reviews and individual development plans. Must be a team player and employ a collaborative management style. Must supervise the merchandising function for the brand across all genders. Lead in nurturing ideas/plans and must be able to sell ideas/plans up, down and across the matrix organization within the retailer and company. Contribute to the overall strong efficiency of the brand business and work effectively with the retail and company personnel. Particularly design, marketing and customer operations in a matrix organization.

QUALIFICATIONS: BA/BS degree required. MBA preferred, but not essential. Minimum of 6-8 years experience in product development and retailing, with a minimum of 2 years experience in a managerial/decision making capacity. Knowledge of knit and woven product. Experience in female, male, boys and girls categories is ideal. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, provide leadership, develop and manage to achieve results. This position involves 50% travel from MN to the home office (located in the south eastern US) and NY. Occasional trend research travel with client company abroad.

Interested? Please send your resume to: resumes@generatorgroup.net
Please include the job code #434MON in the subject line for immediate consideration.

Thanks!
Lori Harrod
Generator Group
503-224-4811
www.generatorgroup.net