Vice President

About Lids U

Lids U is the emblematic general merchandise division of Lids, operating in partnership with Barnes & Noble Education (BNED). The business manages all aspects of emblematic apparel, hard goods, and backpacks across nearly 800 college bookstores throughout North America. As a trusted provider of collegiate merchandise, Lids U delivers high-quality products, broad assortments, and competitive pricing tailored to the unique needs of each campus partner.

General Summary

The Vice President, Lids U, will oversee and drive the operations and growth of Lids’ college emblematic apparel business, managed in partnership with Barnes & Noble Education (BNED). The role is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, supporting P&L performance, and leading cross-functional collaboration across Lids, BNED, and university stakeholders. The Vice President will provide leadership across merchandising, real estate, marketing, and store operations, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with broader business objectives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

• Provide overall strategic leadership and direction for the Lids U business, including revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment across merchandising, real estate, marketing, and store operations functions.
• Oversee the full P&L, including budget development, performance tracking, and forecasting.
• Lead the development and execution of merchandising strategies, including open-to-buy planning, product assortment, and seasonal initiatives.
• Build and manage a high-performing, cross-functional team spanning product development, sourcing, logistics, marketing, finance, and operations.
• Serve as the primary executive liaison between Lids, BNED, and university partners to ensure effective communication and partnership alignment.
• Analyze business performance through KPIs, sales data, and inventory metrics to inform strategic decision-making.
• Drive process improvements and operational excellence across all areas of the business.
• Support real estate and investment decisions to optimize the Lids U campus footprint.
• Represent Lids U in key internal and external meetings, contributing to strategic planning and long-range goals for Lids Holdings.

Job Required Knowledge, Skills, and Education :