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At Merrell, we exist to give every person what they need to discover the simple power of being outside—regardless of shape, size, race, ability, or experience level. For over four decades, we’ve crafted quality footwear with our eyes fixed on comfort, design, durability, and whatever is waiting for us just outside our front doors.

The Vice President of Marketplace Merchandising will be a visionary leader responsible for driving the strategic direction and execution of our marketplace merchandising initiatives. This role will oversee the development and implementation of compelling seasonal narratives, product assortments, and merchandising strategies that align with the overall global brand direction. The VP will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure market share growth, brand consistency, and consumer satisfaction.

Primary Duties:

• Strategic Vision and Leadership:

  • Develop and articulate a compelling vision and strategy for Merrell marketplace growth that inspires seasonal narratives, line plans, and product briefs by tier and region and that deliver against short- and long-term objectives.

  • Act as the driving force behind the evolution of the brand and key categories ensuring alignment with the overall global brand direction.

  • Identify whitespace opportunities based on consumer trends, competitive landscape, and market shifts, capitalizing on category extensions to drive brand growth.

  • Partner with leadership to develop and manage a long-range plan for brand growth and deliver an innovation pipeline by cultivating a culture of innovation and analytical thinking to drive action in the product creation process and develop disruptive future concepts

• Consumer Insights and Assortment Planning:

  • Deliver comprehensive consumer insights, benefits, product category and price architecture, channel and distribution positioning, and franchise management through strategic assortment planning.

  • Strive for SKU efficiency, style productivity, and pricing margin targets in line development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making:

  • Leverage brand and consumer data and insights to make consumer-centric assortment decisions.

  • Utilize past season performance reports and future forecasts to inform line planning and product life cycle management.

  • Oversee the management of the product line via the PLM system, ensuring data integrity and cross-functional sharing.

  • Conduct regular reviews and analyses of key performance indicators to identify opportunities and mitigate risks in short and long term plans

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Support and collaborate on product creation and management to achieve market share and brand growth targets, including channel strategy, distribution decisions, and key partner agreements.

  • Work closely with sales, channel, marketplace merchandising, and brand leadership teams.

  • Develop and maintain a global network of stakeholders, including brand executives, retailers, sales teams, supply chain, and marketing partners.

  • Regularly communicate to inform, educate, and gather insights to identify opportunities.

• Presentation and Communication:

  • Lead and present line concepts, product strategies, and vision to senior management, retailers, sales associates, and peers at various formal and informal meetings.

  • Ensure timely preparation of materials for all milestone meetings, delivering clear and concise presentations.

• Performs duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree required/MBA preferred or equivalent work experience.

• 15+ years’ experience in footwear, apparel or accessories.

• Live our visions and values and able to lead in a fast and dynamic environment with a pursuit of excellence

• Proven leadership skills with at least 7 years’ experience at the manager level. Demonstrated capability to motivate and mentor others to build high performing teams.

• Proven working knowledge of footwear industry, including technology and product development, materials, trends and the overall marketplace.

• Drives insights to action through compelling storytelling combined with data that inspires and mobilizes teams.

• Sets the standard by making timely, informed decisions and fosters an environment where quick, decisive action is valued and practiced by the team.

• Strong interest in outdoor performance, sneaker and fashion culture and how to integrate that into the brand into product solutions and narratives.

• Extensive product knowledge and understanding of global markets and competitors.

• Proven track record in managing P&L to achieve sustainable growth, with strong financial analysis skills to drive strategic and financial outcomes. Outstanding business acumen, merchandising and analytical skill sets.

• Brings a strong team mentality approach to their work and comfortable driving and influencing change.

• Supports a culture of curiosity through a test & learn approach.

• Actively embraces a growth mindset with an openness to feedback to support continuous improvement.

• Strength in influencing cross-functionally with the ability to drive vision and strategy across functions while respecting the balance of competing interests.

• Exceptional follow-through skills and attention to detail.

• Clear, Concise, and Thoughtful (strong verbal and written skills). Ability to present new ideas or seasonal concepts to small and large groups, including addressing executive leaders, and external partners or customers.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.  Some travel may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.