VP - Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM)

Support Center - Irving

The VP - Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM) oversees merchandising strategies within a specific division consisting of multiple departments. The primary goal will be to drive sales and maximize profitability through effective assortment planning, inventory management, vendor partnerships, and team leadership. A DMM works cross-functionally in partnership with senior leaders in Planning, Inventory, Product Development, and Sourcing to maximize the overall financial performance of product departments and to develop a collaborative team culture within the merchandise pyramid. This is a crucial role in our company, shaping product offerings, meeting customer demands, and achieving financial targets.

Major Activities

Buying Strategy Development

• Clearly communicate objectives and priorities to the team creating alignment with the Company’s strategic goals, clearly defining, and communicating the merchant team’s goals to achieve a singular vision across the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including buyers and planners, to develop and execute comprehensive assortment plans that align with the company's overall merchandising strategy
• Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities for assortment improvements and optimization
• Lead the division in the development of the long-term and short-term strategic plans for categories of the business
• Provide guidance to Sr. Buyers/Buyers to ensure merchandise strategies and assortment plans meet divisional objectives and align with customer and store needs  
• Partners cross-functionally with Private Brand development and Sourcing in determining the optimal assortment and executing vendor strategy
• Lead the team division in establishing the correct product vision for Private Brand assortments.
• Balance Private Brand opportunities against established vendor-provided programs

Performance Analysis & Category Planning

• Monitor divisional financial performance and develop strategies to achieve sales, margin, and profit goals
• Analyze sales data, key performance indicators (KPIs), and market trends to identify areas for improvement and implement action plans accordingly.

Vendor Management

• Determine the overall vendor strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, secure competitive pricing, and drive vendor performance
• Continuously evaluate vendor performance and make recommendations for vendor selection, termination, or improvement

Pricing, Presentation & Promotion

• Guide the Buyers with pricing and promotional strategies that support the financial objectives of the merchandise division
• Build advertising vehicles that enhance the division brand, drive customer traffic, and deliver return on investment
• Review and approve advertising strategies and proposals from Buying staff

Inventory Management

• Partner with Inventory Management to maximize return on inventory investment based on sales plans, category roles, and trends
• Partner with the Planning & Inventory to determine assortment plans that support the overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items, and vendors

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnerships

• Lead a sales-focused culture that empowers the team to take risks, creates space for innovation, and expects cross-functional collaboration
• Demonstrate agility in leadership style and flexibility of approach, with the ability to think strategically (high-level) and tactically (to drive execution) 
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence
• Develop talent within the team through training, coaching, and succession planning.
• Attract and recruit top talent

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Minimum Education    

• College degree is required, or equivalent experience 

Minimum Special Certifications or Technical Skills    

• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, etc.)

Minimum Type of Experience the Job Requires    

• Minimum of 15 years of merchandising experience; exhibiting progressively responsible assignments

Other    

• Deep understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional results in driving sales, profitability, and inventory management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic decisions
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve goals and targets
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Preferred Education    

• Master’s degree

Preferred Type of Experience the Job Requires

• Experience using consumer insights, competitive assessment, pricing, promotional planning, assortment planning, space management, logistical costs, vendor management, and financial analysis to establish strategic direction for an assigned product category and to manage the execution of this strategy

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at

and . The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and , a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit 

At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more. For more information, visit

.

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at

(1800-MICHAEL).

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