The Director/Senior Director is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the retail and merchandising strategy, including product development, procurement, pricing, promotions, and sales operations. The role requires a strategic leader with expertise in retail management, product curation, team development, and a deep understanding of the tourism/hospitality industry and customer preferences.
Job Responsibilities
Merchandising Strategy & Planning:
- Develop and execute the overall merchandising strategy that is aligned with the brand and customer experience goals.
- Oversee the planning of product assortments for retail stores, ensuring alignment with themes, seasons, and events.
- Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitive offerings to create innovative and appealing product lines.
- Set and manage sales targets, product budgets, and KPIs, ensuring profitability and growth.
Product Development & Sourcing:
- Collaborate with design, licensing, and external vendors to develop exclusive, high-quality products.
- Oversee sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of merchandise from local and international suppliers.
- Ensure that products meet quality standards and comply with safety regulations.
Retail Operations & Execution:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of all retail outlets, ensuring exceptional customer service, presentation, and sales performance.
- Oversee the planning, execution, and timely launch of seasonal promotions, events, and new product releases.
- Oversee the management of inventory levels, stock rotations, and order fulfillment to maintain optimal product availability.
Financial Management & Budgeting:
- Manage the annual budget, ensuring alignment with park financial objectives.
- Conduct sales forecasting, pricing analysis, and margin management to maximize profitability.
- Monitor product performance and adjust strategies to optimize sales and minimize waste or markdowns.
Guest Experience:
- Ensure that the product selection enhances the guest experience and aligns with their expectations.
- Analyze guest feedback and sales data to continuously improve the merchandising mix.
- Champion the creation of exclusive, limited-edition products that encourage purchases and create lasting memories for guests.
Visual Merchandising:
- Oversee the delivery of visual merchandising designs and strategies for retail stores.
- Oversee the delivery of creative outputs and shape the retail experience by delivering and captivating brand-aligned, and engaging in-park retail concepts.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead and mentor team members in the various teams.
- Foster a collaborative and creative environment, ensuring the team is well-trained on best practices and customer service standards.
- Develop performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to ensure team success.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
- 15 years of experience in retail merchandising, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Experience in the hospitality, tourism or entertainment industry is preferred.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale retail operations, including product sourcing, inventory management, and sales performance.
- Strategic in mindset with a high level of commercial awareness.
- Be on top of the trends relating to market dynamics, customer base and competition.
- Strong creative flair.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Exceptional understanding of retail trends, consumer behavior, and product development.
- Analytical mindset with experience in budget management, forecasting, and sales analysis.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
- Proven ability to influence at all levels of the organization to drive results and successfully manage competing demands in a dynamic environment.
