Chief Merchandising Officer

This Senior Executive will be a highly competent, and informed Strategic Leader with substantial experience leading teams in support of Buying, Planning/Allocation, People Development, Merchandising, and Profit & Loss Impact in the Apparel space. Reporting to the President/COO, the CMO will manage a team of Buyers and Planners/Allocators while working closely with the Founding Family, The Board and other Senior Leaders in the organization.Primary ResponsibilitiesBuyingThe CMO must have a strong apparel background, having demonstrated capabilities in tailoring merchandise assortment and pricing to the core consumer at Melrose.With an acute awareness of existing and emerging trends, the CMO must be closely connected to the industry and can leverage vendor relationships in a way that allows the business to respond quickly and opportunistically. With an established vendor based, the CMO will expand the universe of vendors and product while maintaining strong relationships with existing. Holds themselves and their Vendors accountable for delivering product on time and on budget.An astute and respected leader, the CMO understands how to lead and motivate a dynamic team of Buyers and Planning/Allocation Personnel. The CMO understands how to recognize talent and develop all levels to prepare the organization for any changes in personnel and maintain strong business continuity.MerchandisingThe CMO understands merchandise presentation and how to present product in ways that tell the customer a Story and which promote multi-unit transactions. They will lead the Buying Teams in the development of compelling Floorplans, with Walls and Fixtures that invite the customer to explore. Ready to guide Buyers in providing the field with strong visual presentation directives, the CMO understands outfitting and inspirational Visuals.The CMO will also be integral in the outward messaging to customers, serving as a key member of the marketing committee whose mission is to inform the customer online and in store regarding key fashion messages and value proposition.Planning/AllocationThe CMO will have a keen understanding of product placement and managing size integrity in stores, leading a team of Planners/Allocators whose responsibilities are to ensure we have the right product in the right place at the right time.The CMO will develop a team of true Planning/Allocation individuals and transition the Allocation Personnel from data entry to data analysis and informed product allocation, working closely with Buyers on timely replenishment of Staples and repeat product while making sure timeliness of receipt and distribution of seasonal fashion or trend product is optimized.Responsible for development of a dynamic pricing and promotional strategy, the CMO will work collaboratively with Buying, Operations and Marketing Teams. Designed to maximize consumer traffic and merchandise profitability, the price/value proposition is critical to overall business objectives and, as such, are a key accountability of this role.The CMO will work collaboratively with Planning/Allocation Manager in support of development and adjustments associated with Open to buy for each merchandise classification, making sure to be both proactive and reactive in their analysis and subsequent recommendations.Profit and Loss ImpactThe CMO will understand their role's direct and indirect impact on the company Profit and Loss statement. This role is responsible for establishing and then meeting and exceeding Initial Mark up Plans as well as Gross Margin outlined in the seasonal budget process. The CMO will manage markdowns, transfers, pack away timing and more to ensure a strong maintain margin position.People DevelopmentThe CMO will be emotionally intelligent with a capacity to be both empathetic as well as to hold teams accountable for delivering required financials and service standards. An inspirational leader, with an ability to flex between hands on and strategic needs at will. This leader will be a strong communicator, addressing with ease up, down and laterally. Known as a team player, but also one respected for their compassion, this leader is someone people want to work for and with. The CMO will collaborate in the development of a robust talent management and succession process designed to grow the team and prepare all positions for seamless filling upon vacancy. Utilizing personal experience as well as referencing industry best practices, the CMO will educate their teams and peers. As a key member of the Executive Committee, the CMO will contribute to the development of the Company's Long Term Strategy.Job RequirementsCollege Degree or 15+ years of successful progression in the Fashion Buying and Product Planning/Allocation worldsUnderstanding of key financials associated with Profit and Loss Statements, OTB, and Merchandise Margin with an ability to optimize each of these through small projects and strategic initiativesAn ability to juggle multiple balls concurrently with ease while keeping an eye on the big picture; able to manage from micro to macro across multiple dimensionsAble to work as both individual contributor and member of a dynamic Senior Leadership Team. An idea contributor who is not afraid to speak up even in the face of adversityAn innovator and strategist with an ability to be hands on whenever needed; no task too small while no initiative too broad mentalityIntimate knowledge of East and West Coast Vendor Communities and Sourcing Opportunities, with an optimal understanding of how to move high frequency production to offshore resources in a way that drives incremental IMU and Margins.Strong negotiation skills with a win/win attitude towards achieving company financials while nurturing vendor continuity.Must be willing to relocate to San Antonio, Texas. Relocation expenses are paid by the company.

Created: 2025-02-09