Director, Divisional Merchandising Manager Operations

Director, Divisional Merchandising Manager Lead the development of a cohesive omni-channel merchandising strategy for all product categories

Location:

Seattle

Compensation: $140, USD / year

Job Tags:
Operations

With over 59 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we're all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.

The Director, Divisional Merchandising Manager is a key leader in our merchandising organization, responsible for the strategy, performance, and day-to-day leadership of their division across all channels. This role deepens our bench of merchandising leadership by developing a high-performing team of merchants, driving strategic and analytical decision making, and representing their business in cross-functional initiatives that support Sur La Table's growth.

This position will report into the VP, Merchandising.

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and own the long-range merchandising vision and seasonal strategies for assigned areas, aligned with company goals and customer insights.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of merchants; provide clear goals, coaching, and feedback to build future leaders and bench strength.
• Partner closely with Planning to deliver divisional sales, margin, and inventory goals across stores and e-commerce.
• Use data and analytics to inform strategy, course-correct in season, and identify new growth opportunities.
• Represent assigned departments in cross-functional forums and enterprise projects (omni-channel initiatives, private brand strategy, promotional planning, space and visual strategy, Go To Market (GTM) planning).
• Contribute to strategic planning and manage key elements of the divisional P&L, including sales, markdowns, and vendor funding; identify risks and opportunities proactively.
• Champion the smart use of AI and automation to improve merchant productivity to free the team up to spend more time on strategy, product, and the customer.

Merchandising & Business Management

• Build and execute merchandise strategies across all channels, including:
• Assortment architecture and line planning.
• Private brand vs. national brand mix, exclusivity strategies, and key item focus.
• Seasonal 'big ideas' and storytelling that differentiate Sur La Table in the market.
• Partner with Planning on OTB, inventory flow, and markdown strategies to ensure healthy inventory and an on-brand, profitable assortment.
• Lead pricing and promotion strategy for assigned areas; test and refine promotional offers based on performance.
• Maintain a sharp view of the competitive landscape, emerging trends, and customer preferences to continually evolve the product mix.
• Source and maintain relationships with high-quality, cost-effective vendors; negotiate pricing, terms, and exclusives to maximize profitability and supply reliability.
• Leverage data insights to refine promotional, pricing, and inventory strategies.

Omni-Channel & Customer Experience

• Ensure a cohesive omni-channel experience by aligning assortments, pricing, and storytelling across stores, , and culinary programs.
• Partner with Visual Merchandising and Creative to bring seasonal stories to life through in-store presentation, digital merchandising, photography, copy and packaging.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Culinary on campaigns, events, and class tie-ins that showcase key products and drive engagement.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the Product Development / Private Brand team to:
• - Develop and refine seasonal briefs and line plans.
• - Shape private brand strategies within assigned departments.
• - Align timelines, milestones, and go/no-go decisions on new product development.
• Work with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure operational feasibility, margin targets, and smooth execution of go-to-market plans.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and initiatives as needed.

• 8+ years of proven senior merchandising experience in a multi-location, multi-channel retail environment; at least 3-5 years leading merchants or category managers.
• Experience managing a division or multiple categories with full accountability for sales, margin, and inventory.
• Background in home, kitchen, tabletop, or hard goods strongly preferred; omni-channel experience required.
• Demonstrated track record of:
• Driving revenue growth and profitable category performance.
• Developing and coaching merchandising talent.
• Using data and analytics to inform decisions.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills; able to zoom out on long-term direction and zoom in on in-season execution.
• Excellent collaboration…