Director, Merchandising

**Description**:
Hi there, we’re Article. Since 2013, we have been redefining the furniture industry one sofa at a time, it’s not easy, it requires solving challenging, meaningful problems. This is where you come in.

As a **Director, Merchandising**, you'll be responsible for both the business performance of assigned categories as well as the operational excellence of the Category Management function. Specifically, overseeing our Outdoor, Decor, and New Business categories.
- **Notes**:
**1) Internally, your title will be Director, Category Management (CMT).**
**2) This is a hybrid role, meaning you will need to be in our Vancouver HQ 3 days per week and reside in the Lower Mainland, BC.**

**Why We Need You**:
The Category Management team curates and manages Article’s product assortment, making it easier for customers to furnish their homes with confidence. Meaning, you will be at the forefront and fully own the sales and performance of your assigned categories.

As Director, you’ll lead the Outdoor, Decor, and New Business categories, owning their sales, margin, and growth performance. You’ll also guide the operational health of the Category Management (CMT) function, ensuring our team runs strategically and efficiently.

You won’t need prior furniture experience to succeed in this role. But, what you will need is the ability to:

- Drive results through strong cross-functional partnerships; especially with Product Design, Supply Chain, Marketing, Creative, and Finance.
- Build and evolve a resilient, empowered team that’s excited to solve meaningful problems.
- Shape how Category Management shows up at Article — championing both customer impact and operational excellence.

**Why Article?**

As a Particle (people of Article), you will have a high level of autonomy to solve challenging, meaningful problems the best way you can. That means you’re trusted to explore solutions you believe will work best (you’re the expert, after all). You’ll do all this while growing your skills within a company that is redefining the furniture industry.

**About the CMT team**:
We are a hybrid team; you'll be in the office three days a week. Currently, split into 2 teams:

- Indoor Furniture includes Dining/Office, Bedroom/Entry, and Living Room. On this team, there are 9 Particles.
- _The team you would oversee_ - Outdoor, Decor & New Business. Currently, there are 4 other Particles on this team.

**What You’ll Do**:
**Day to Day**
- You’ll be leading a team of 2 Category Managers, a Junior Category Manager, and a Category Specialist.
- Create and manage category management best practices that enable the function to operate effectively and reliably.
- Develop, in partnership with the VP, long-term growth strategies for product categories.
- Lead and mentor Senior Category Managers, Category Managers, and other team members to meet functional goals.
- Co-lead strategic contract negotiations, feedback, and accountability with cross-functional partners to ensure the team is equipped with the critical inputs and infrastructure required to perform at a high level.
- Ensure the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of strategies that can include identifying, documenting, and prioritizing investment proposals for business growth that will help grow your category’s share of the market.
- Lead category management efforts across cross-functional workflows to ensure business success.
- Act as a champion of the customer internally, negotiating performance commitments on behalf of our customer with function owners across the business.
- Be accountable for the performance (revenue and profitability) of an assigned Article product categories.
- Steer pricing and promotional pricing strategy for your scope of business, ensuring we meet revenue and margin targets.
- Analyze business performance with the ability to dive deep into the details and present high-level insights that translate into actions.

**Team Leadership**
- Empower direct reports with decision-making autonomy while maintaining accountability for results.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching to drive individual and team development.
- Foster collaboration and effective communication across cross-functional teams.
- Develop succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential talent within the category management team.
- Oversee the execution of product lifecycle management activities, ensuring teams deliver on time and meet strategic objectives.

**Who You Are**:

- **Qualifications**:

- 10+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or product leadership within retail or eCommerce.
- 4+ years leading and developing high-performing teams in Category Management or Merchandising.
- Proven ability to influence business outcomes through strategy, collaboration, and stakeholder management. Experience leading in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
- **Technical Skills**:

- Strong analytic