Director, Divisional MerchandisingManager

Director, Divisional Merchandising Manager

Join to apply for the Director, Divisional Merchandising Manager role at Sur La Table.

$/yr - $/yr

With over 59 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the U.S., 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 the business in cross‑functional initiatives that support Sur La Table’s growth.

This position will report to the VP, Merchandising.

• 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, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…