Director, Merchandise Operations

Director, Merchandise Operations

The Director, Merchandise Operations is responsible for developing and executing strategies to optimize the buying process, support product assortment, and enhance cross-functional collaboration. This position ensures seamless execution across planning, allocation, and inventory management to meet business objectives and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Lead the operational execution of the merchandising strategy across all product categories, aligning with buying teams to ensure effective product launches, promotions, and seasonal rollouts.

Design and implement streamlined processes and tools to improve efficiency within the buying team. Identify bottlenecks, recommend improvements, and ensure teams have the resources to execute effectively.

Serve as the primary liaison between the merchandising, marketing, finance, and inventory planning teams to ensure alignment on sales targets, promotional strategies, and inventory levels.

Partner with the planning and allocation teams to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. Oversee inventory levels and manage stock allocations to optimize turnover and minimize markdown risk.

Develop and maintain key performance metrics for buying operations, providing insights and actionable data to drive decision-making. Regularly present reports to leadership on buying efficiency, inventory health, and operational costs.

Work with the buying teams to enhance relationships with key vendors, ensuring strong terms, consistent supply, and optimal cost negotiations.

Lead, mentor, and develop the merchandising operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Ensure alignment of team goals with overall company objectives.

Oversee the budgeting and financial planning for merchandising operations. Track operational expenses and ensure the organization is maximizing ROI on merchandising initiatives.

Strong understanding of retail buying cycles, inventory management, and product lifecycle

Ability to foster relationships across departments, from merchandising and marketing to finance and planning

Strong negotiation and vendor management skills

Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data to inform strategic decisions

Leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on mentorship and development

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field

8+ years of experience in retail buying, merchandising or merchandising operations

Proven track record of success in operational leadership within a retail or e-commerce environment

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in performance metrics and data analysis

Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and influence cross-functional teams

Proficiency in merchandising systems, planning tools, and inventory management software

Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment with evolving priorities

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Compensation Range : $109,720.00 - $156,000.00

Claire's is committed to adhering to all applicable company policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All positions will be compensated at or above the legally mandated minimum wage for the location in which work is performed. The final compensation will be determined by various factors such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits for full-time employees include medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time

• and paid leave.

Benefits for part-time employees include voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. To request accommodation, please email Benefits@claires.com. Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.