[Hiring] VP, DMM Women's Shoes @Saks

Role Description

This position is open to both remote & NY.

The VP, DMM Women’s Shoes plays a crucial leadership role in developing and executing the merchandise strategy for designated divisions/categories. This position is responsible for translating broader merchandising and divisional strategies into category-specific plans, leading the execution of these strategies, and aligning product assortment with the company’s strategic goals.

The VP, DMM Women’s Shoes will drive collaboration across Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams such as Marketing and Digital, ensuring that all strategies are executed effectively to achieve financial goals.

With a strong focus on brand partner negotiations, pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions, this leader will guide the business towards achieving growth and profitability.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with the Brand Partnerships & Buying Leader to translate broader merchandising and divisional strategies into actionable category-specific strategies and tactics.
• Orchestrate the execution of merchandise strategies by partnering closely with Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams, including Marketing and Digital.
• Work directly with Buyers and their teams to ensure product assortment is fully aligned with category strategies.
• Ensure the product assortment aligns with market trends, customer demands, and category strategies.
• Continuously analyze product performance to optimize assortment strategies and drive profitable growth.
• Support the BP & Buying Leader in vendor negotiations and top-to-top meetings.
• Collaborate with the Brand Partnerships & Buying Leaders, and Planning Leads to define and execute the pre-season and in-season roadmap.
• Develop seasonal product in private label programs to promote the Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue brands.
• Work with Buying and Planning teams to determine final pricing, promotional strategies, and markdown decisions.
• Collaborate with product development and merchandising teams to introduce innovative products.
• Lead, inspire, and align buying teams around a shared vision and strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, and brand partnership management within footwear.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, align, and lead teams.
• Extensive experience in brand negotiations and vendor management.
• Deep understanding of retail merchandising, buying, and planning processes.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-centric thinker who is “art” led, and “science” informed.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer.
• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision, and dental).
• An amazing employee discount.
• Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and various additional voluntary benefits.