Divisional Merchandise Manager

Why You’ll Love World Market
You won’t find a store and team like this anywhere else! We're passionate about our mission to delight customers with a unique, ever-changing marketplace of products from around the world. Our assortment is curated with stylish home décor, quality furniture, thoughtful gifts, time-honored handicrafts, and international food and beverage favorites. From handpicked finds to heartfelt teamwork, World Market is where uniqueness isn’t just celebrated—it’s what sets us apart. 
Our team means the world to us! We value authenticity, empowerment and respect and we take pride in what we do. If you’re looking for a collaborative, fast-moving environment where your contributions are valued, growth is supported and you can have a little fun—you’ve found it!  

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy: 

• Benefits that support health, financial security, and personal life needs. Learn more about benefits and eligibility for Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, and more!
• Paid vacation and paid sick time
• 401(k) plan with Roth option and company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources to be and do your best
• Sample Sales and up to 30% shopping discount on our unique finds for you and your designated shopper 
• Work life balance and work from home flexibility
• Working with a team who thinks the world of you 
   

In this role, you will:

Lead and manage a team of merchants/demonstrate strong leadership behaviors:

• Lead a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life.

• Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities.

• Hire and train new team members as needed.

Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies:

• Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers.

• Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.

• Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities.

• Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.

• Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business).

Drive the Business:  Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility:

• Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.

• Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.

• Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.

• Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans.

• Participate in all aspects of product development and design.

• Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.

Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs:

• Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities.

• Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office

What You’ll Bring

• Passion for the business.

• A high level of business acumen, mental agility, and intellectual curiosity.

• A keen eye for style and trends.

• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.

• Proven ability to hire, train, develop, and retain direct reports.

• Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.

• Strong analytical skills and an ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.

• An enthusiasm for travel and exploring and the ability to travel domestically and possibly internationally to vendor shows, showrooms, and factories as needed for your department.

• Excellent planning and negotiation skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present opinions and ideas compellingly.

• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with merchandise software systems.

• Minimum 8-10 years buying and management experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic and foreign travel and direct work with vendors.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.

CA Pay Range is $190,000 - $220,000 annually

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If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the on-line application, please contact the Human Resource Department:

Phone: 1-833-680-2399

Email: [email protected]

This email address is only to request reasonable accommodation for the application process due to a medical condition. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation for such reason, please use the apply button below to complete an application and upload your resume.
 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which depending on your location may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.