Job Description
Employee Mission
As an employee at Coolibar, you play a vital role in advancing our mission : to keep the world safe from sun damage, protecting those with sun-related medical conditions and helping prevent it for everyone else. You are part of a collaborative, cross-functional team dedicated to delivering the most innovative, user-centric UPF 50+ clothing and products, empowering people to live active, outdoor lives with confidence and safety in the sun.
Job Summary
The merchandising Manager oversees three Category Managers across multiple business segments (Hats, Casual, Travel, Resort, Swim, Golf, and F&B) and ensures all product development aligns with intended usage and drives sustainable business growth. This role is responsible for the overall health of the merchandising portfolio, analyzing sales performance, inventory management, margin optimization, and strategic planning. The Merchandising Manager ensures that products meet real customer needs while maintaining profitability and brand alignment across all categories. This position has 3 direct reports and reports to the Product Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following :
- Manage and mentor three Category Managers, providing strategic direction and support
- Ensure all products developed by Category Managers align with intended usage and customer needs
- Review and approve category strategies, seasonal plans, and product assortments
- Foster collaboration across categories to identify synergies and best practices
- Monitor and analyze sales performance across all categories to identify trends and opportunities
- Oversee margin performance and work with Category Managers to improve profitability
- Track and report on key business metrics including sell-through, inventory health, and financial targets
- Develop and implement strategies to improve overall business sustainability
- Create and execute promotion plans across categories to drive sales and clear inventory
- Develop product development plans aligned with business objectives and market opportunities
- Establish exit strategies for underperforming products or categories
- Lead seasonal planning process ensuring proper balance across the portfolio
- Set pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin goals
- Partner with Product Development and Design teams to ensure product viability
- Collaborate with Marketing to ensure products are promoted correctly and messaging aligns with product attributes
- Work with E-commerce team to ensure cohesiveness across all channels including DTC and wholesale
- Develop and execute comprehensive wholesale plans in partnership with Wholesale team
- Collaborate with Buying team on budget planning and sales goal setting
- Work with Operations and Supply Chain on inventory management and production planning
- Communicate business performance and strategic plans to leadership
- Utilize merchandising systems and tools to track performance and plan assortments
- Establish and maintain merchandising best practices and processes
- Ensure data accuracy in PLM and merchandising systems
- Create reporting dashboards and analytics to support decision-making
Qualifications
BA / BS in Retail Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field7+ years of merchandising experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing teamsStrong analytical skills with proven ability to interpret sales data, inventory metrics, and financial reportsDeep understanding of merchandising principles including assortment planning, pricing, and inventory managementExperience managing P&L and driving profitable growthProven track record of developing successful merchandising strategies and promotional plansStrong business acumen with ability to balance customer needs with financial objectivesExcellent leadership and mentoring skillsProficient in Microsoft Excel (advanced), Word, PowerPoint and OutlookExperience with merchandising planning systems and PLM platformsStrong attention to detail with ability to see both strategic vision and tactical executionExcellent organizational and project management skillsStrategic thinker with ability to identify opportunities and solve complex problemsStrong communication skills with ability to influence across all levels of organizationSelf-motivated with ability to work independently and drive results