Director, Direct Merchandising Global - Converse

Become part of the Converse Team

Converse is a place where passionate individuals come together to create the future of sport. We are unapologetic about who we are and what we’re after — bringing innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. We look for athletes who can push boundaries, elevate our potential and continue leading us to greatness. The next tastemakers, playmakers, risk takers and glue players. Are you game?

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $157,600.00 in our lowest geographic market to $332,300.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.

Are you interested in working for the most iconic and well-loved sneaker brand in the world? Born in sports and made for the street, Converse is a place to explore your potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. We seek people who can lead, grow, think, dream, and create. Our culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. Converse seeks achievers, leaders, and visionaries. At Converse, it’s about each person bringing their authentic self, skills, and passion to serve the daring spirit of youth.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a Director of Direct Merchandising. This position is responsible for developing and executing merchandising and buy strategies that drive sales, margin and consumer experience across both stores and digital platforms. An expert in merchandising principles and deeply engaged in the business to lead highly collaborative teams in delivering best-in class product strategies. They will champion the role of a leader inspiring teams by fostering a culture of agility and continuous learning.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

This position defines and oversees the merchandising strategy and execution aligned with the brands strategy to achieve growth and profitability, while creating best-in class experiences for our consumer. This role will oversee the in-season performance management responding to consumer demand and identifying new growth opportunities guided by data. Responsibilities include:

Merchandising Strategy and Execution:

Develop and lead the overall direct merchandising and buying strategy to drive sales, margin and consumer engagement. Define product assortment and pricing across direct channels. Partner with Planning and Marketing teams to ensure cohesive execution.

Team Leadership:

As a leader, you will manage and mentor a team of merchants, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a consumer-first mindset across all partnerships. Manage hiring, training and performance evaluations.

Analytics and Performance:

Monitor KPIs such as traffic, conversion, AOV, revenue, margin and sell-through. Balance inventory levels and demand forecast in collaboration with Planning team. Leverage tools to generate insights and shape future product and buy strategies. Present findings and strategic recommendations to key cross functional peers and leadership.

Consumer-Centric:

Obsess our consumer. Putting the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Use trend and market data as well as hold focus groups to gain insights and shape seasonal product priorities.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will partner closely with cross-functional leaders across Planning, Marketing and Direct teams to align merchandising and buy strategies with business goals. This role will also serve as a key member of the Global Marketplace Merchandising leadership team.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
• 8+ years of merchandising experience, including omnichannel retail
• 3+ years of people leadership experience
• Proven experience of driving revenue growth and improving merchandising performance across digital and store businesses
• Ability to think creatively, strategically and technically; balancing working at both the operational and strategic levels
• Strong analytical skills and retail acumen with proven ability to translate performance metrics into future insights
• Deep understanding of retail trends, consumer behaviors and digital commerce
• Excellent leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across functional lines and levels
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, delegate work and concurrently manage multiple projects
• Footwear industry preferred
• Ability to travel 25%

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Converse is more than a company; it’s a worldwide advocate for self-expression. This belief motivates our employees, permeates our working environment and inspires our products. No two of us look or think exactly alike. We are each one-of-a-kind. Individually and as a culture, we have the freedom to create and grow professionally. Generous benefits packages only sweeten the experience. From Boston to Shanghai, from Brand Design to Finance, Converse is a brand that celebrates the unique and creative people of the world. Together, we’re different.