Category Director - Merchandise

Overview

Great brands reflect culture. The best ones help shape it. At Foot Locker, we’re rooted in sport, powered by style, and driven by the communities that move both. From Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker to Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos, our brands sit at the intersection of sport, style, and self-expression.

As part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods family, you’re backed by the resources, reach, and career opportunities of a world-class sports company. That unleashes Foot Locker to keep pushing forward with the agility and edge that define the brand. We’re looking for great people who want to influence culture and the generation that is shaping what’s next.

Whether you’re building strategy, shaping innovations, or creating unforgettable customer moments, you’ll contribute to decisions and experiences that define our brands’ impact in the communities we serve.

Come change the game with us. Apply today!

This hybrid position will be located at our WSS office. Expectations for hybrid in-office schedule is three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Category Director for WSS leads the end‑to‑end strategy, performance, and growth of assigned merchandise categories across all retail stores. This role is responsible for building a compelling, consumer‑driven assortment; optimizing financial performance; and driving category innovation that supports the company’s broader merchandising and retail strategies. Partnering closely with the Sr. Director of Buying, this leader ensures category plans align with company goals, marketplace trends, and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and own the long‑term category strategy, including assortment architecture, pricing, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and category risks.
• Translate strategic direction from the Sr. Director of Buying into actionable category plans and initiatives.

Assortment & Product Management

• Build and manage a consumer‑centric assortment that balances innovation, productivity, and profitability.
• Oversee SKU productivity, lifecycle management, and seasonal transitions to ensure optimal inventory flow.
• Partner with Planning and Allocation to ensure inventory levels support sales, margin, and turn goals.

Vendor & Brand Partnerships

• Lead vendor negotiations, terms, and joint business planning to maximize margin, exclusivity, and differentiation.
• Strengthen relationships with key brand partners to secure priority products, marketing support, and collaborative growth opportunities.
• Evaluate new vendors and product opportunities that align with category strategy.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own category P&L performance, including sales, margin, turn, and inventory productivity across both B&M and ECOM channels
• Develop and manage annual financial plans, in-season forecasts, and performance recaps.
• Identify and act on opportunities to improve profitability through pricing, promotions, and assortment optimization.                                                                   

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, and eCommerce to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies across all channels.
• Collaborate with Planning, Allocation, and Supply Chain to ensure efficient product flow and timely delivery.
• Work closely with the Sr. Director of Buying to align category direction with overall merchandising vision.
• Strong skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
• Maintain Positive Relationships – Internal and external (vendors, warehouse, Planning & Allocation, Store Operations, Finance, and Marketing departments).
• Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support career development within the merchandising organization.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and own the long‑term category strategy, including assortment architecture, pricing, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and category risks.
• Translate strategic direction from the Sr. Director of Buying into actionable category plans and initiatives.

Assortment & Product Management

• Build and manage a consumer‑centric assortment that balances innovation, productivity, and profitability.
• Oversee SKU productivity, lifecycle management, and seasonal transitions to ensure optimal inventory flow.
• Partner with Planning and Allocation to ensure inventory levels support sales, margin, and turn goals.

Vendor & Brand Partnerships

• Lead vendor negotiations, terms, and joint business planning to maximize margin, exclusivity, and differentiation.
• Strengthen relationships with key brand partners to secure priority products, marketing support, and collaborative growth opportunities.
• Evaluate new vendors and product opportunities that align with category strategy.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own category P&L performance, including sales, margin, turn, and inventory productivity across both B&M and ECOM channels
• Develop and manage annual financial plans, in-season forecasts, and performance recaps.
• Identify and act on opportunities to improve profitability through pricing, promotions, and assortment optimization.                                                                   

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, and eCommerce to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies across all channels.
• Collaborate with Planning, Allocation, and Supply Chain to ensure efficient product flow and timely delivery.
• Work closely with the Sr. Director of Buying to align category direction with overall merchandising vision.
• Strong skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
• Maintain Positive Relationships – Internal and external (vendors, warehouse, Planning & Allocation, Store Operations, Finance, and Marketing departments).
• Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support career development within the merchandising organization.

At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do.  To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments.  To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines:

• Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews.
• AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.

Benefits

The annual base salary range is $170,000-200,000 / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the WSS total compensation package, which includes the below.

• Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Individual and Family Plans
• Self-Development & Recognition Programs
• Bonus Incentive Program
• Advancement Opportunities
• 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
• 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
• Community Engagement Opportunities

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

ABOUT WSS:

WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletics, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family.  Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands, augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.

Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets.

WSS is committed to giving back to the communities we serve, sponsoring or participating in over 350 local events each year.  Stay connected to us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and at www.shopwss.com.