[Hiring] Director, Merchandising & Store Technology @Designer Brands Inc.

Role Description

At Designer Brands, technology plays a critical role in how we connect products, stores, and customers across our retail banners in the U.S. and Canada. As Director, Merchandising & Store Technology, you'll lead the strategy, delivery, and ongoing performance of the technology solutions that support merchandising, planning, allocation, inventory management, and store operations.

Partnering closely with business and technology leaders, you'll shape technology roadmaps, drive innovation, and ensure teams have the systems and data needed to achieve business objectives. This is an opportunity to lead high-performing teams and influence the technology solutions that support hundreds of stores and the customers they serve every day.

What You'll Be Doing

• Technology Strategy & Roadmap:
  • Direct the development and execution of the technology strategy for retail merchandising systems, including assortment planning, merchandising, planning, and allocation.
  • Lead the strategy for store technology platforms, including point-of-sale, inventory management, and store hardware solutions.
  • Partner with business and technology leaders to align technology roadmaps with organizational priorities and business objectives.
  • Ensure technology projects, system enhancements, and business initiatives deliver measurable business value.
• Solution Delivery & Operations:
  • Own the roadmap and lifecycle management for point-of-sale platforms, in-store inventory management systems, and store hardware.
  • Oversee the roadmap and delivery of merchandising, planning, and allocation systems, ensuring teams have access to reliable, accurate, and actionable data.
  • Ensure the reliability, security, and PCI compliance of store-facing technology solutions across the retail fleet.
  • Partner with Store Operations and Loss Prevention to manage the store hardware lifecycle, including refresh planning, vendor management, and field support.
• Leadership & Innovation:
  • Lead and develop teams delivering technology solutions that support Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, and Store Operations.
  • Champion innovation in merchandising and store technology by understanding business needs, monitoring industry trends, and partnering with vendors and peers.
  • Build strong partnerships with senior leaders to identify opportunities and deliver technology solutions that support business goals.
  • Develop team capabilities to meet evolving business needs and emerging technologies.
• Governance, Security & Compliance:
  • Oversee the development and implementation of technology standards, policies, and procedures, including architecture, security, disaster recovery, purchasing, and systems documentation.
  • Lead PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits, including PCI DSS requirements for point-of-sale environments.
  • Ensure technology investments support long-term business objectives while maintaining strong governance and risk management practices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible technology management experience supporting retail merchandising systems and/or store technology applications, including point-of-sale and inventory management solutions.
• Experience leading large-scale technology portfolios, modernization initiatives, vendor relationships, and budget oversight.
• Deep knowledge of retail merchandising processes and supporting technologies, including assortment planning, merchandise planning, allocation, inventory management, and point-of-sale solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technology strategies, roadmaps, and investment plans that align with business objectives and deliver measurable results.
• Strong understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, disaster recovery, and architecture principles.
• Direct experience leading PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits, including PCI DSS compliance for point-of-sale environments.

Requirements

• Proven experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process transformation, and technology adoption initiatives.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, build strong partnerships, and align stakeholders around strategic priorities.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate trade-offs and translate complex business needs into scalable technology solutions.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience in retail merchandising and store technology environments.
• Direct experience supporting point-of-sale, merchandise planning, and allocation platforms.
• Experience leading teams of 10+ associates.

Benefits

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.