VP, Merchandising

What You’ll Do

The VP of Merchandising is instrumental in leading the SportChek Merchandising team. Reporting to the Chief Merchant, SportChek, this person will work closely with leaders from across the business, as well as external vendor partners and be influential in shaping the assortment, category strategies, and financial and operational plans for the SportChek and Atmosphere retail banners.

The primary focus of the VP Merchandising role is to develop and execute the Category and Assortment Strategy. The role is required to establish merchandising plans that are linked to both Customer Insights and Financial targets and that enable the Merchants to deliver best in class assortments. The VP of Merchandising also plays a critical leadership role in supporting a collaborative cross-functional environment that focuses on delivering an exceptional Customer Experience throughout the Customers’ Path to Purchase. This leader will need to have a strong understanding of category management, financial planning, product development, in-season management, team development, vendor management and strategic thinking.

Embracing and driving change is critical to our success. The complexity and rate at which the retail industry is transforming has increased exponentially in recent years and we are committed to being a leader in the industry. As such, we are relentlessly focused on innovating at every level of our business, investing in new technologies and products, and doubling down on the best talent to drive the company forward.

Lead a large buying team including the development and execution of assortment strategies and programs with specific sales, margin and inventory performance targets, with consideration of Customer experience and insights. Be responsible for creating a strategic multi-year vision for the business. Be responsible for creating & maintaining productive vendor partnerships. Approval of assortment plans and inventory management for all lines of business while ensuring the team is consistently meeting or exceeding financial targets. Lead a team to understand opportunities in new markets and provide analysis & recommendations for pursuing them. Manage a team of high potential / high performing managers by providing functional leadership and coaching to direct reports in areas of employee development, performance management and succession planning. Ensure entire team is focused on driving key activity areas.

What You Bring

A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, merchandising, or a related field is typically required. At least 10-15 years of progressive experience in merchandising, with a focus on product selection, pricing, and inventory management. Previous leadership roles in merchandising or related areas, such as category management or product development. Strong leadership skills, including experience managing and leading teams. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans for merchandising. Experience in cross-functional collaboration with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and supply chain. Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use insights to drive merchandising decisions. A deep understanding of the industry and market trends. Experience with market research, trend analysis, and forecasting. Strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders, including a demonstrated ability to secure favorable terms and conditions. Familiarity with the competitive landscape and the ability to identify opportunities for growth. Demonstrated ability to bring innovative and creative ideas to the merchandising process, with a track record of implementing successful merchandising strategies. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effectively conveying merchandising strategies and objectives to various stakeholders.

Hybrid

We value flexibility. We have adopted a hybrid work model whereby employees use a combination of working in office and virtually in service of outcomes. Each leader is empowered to decide what work is best achieved in person based on the unique needs of their team.

À propos de nous

Chez Sport Chek, nous voulons trouver ce qui vous motive et vous aider à bâtir votre carrière. En tant que destination par excellence au pays pour les chaussures, les vêtements et les articles de sport, nous sommes d’avis que le sport et l’activité physique ont le pouvoir de façonner votre style, vos relations et votre esprit. Avec vos collègues de la famille d’entreprises Canadian Tire, vous ferez partie d’un réseau de personnes aux vues similaires qui s’inspirent de leur expérience collective pour mieux servir les clients de toutes les bannières d’un océan à l’autre. Joignez-vous à nous, il y a une place pour vous ici

Notre engagement envers la diversité, l’inclusion et l’appartenance 

Nous nous engageons à favoriser un environnement où le sentiment d’appartenance est florissant et où la diversité, l’inclusion et l’équité font partie intégrante de tout ce que nous faisons. Nous croyons en la création d’une culture organisationnelle où les gens sont traités en tout temps avec dignité dans le respect de la religion, de la nationalité, du sexe, de la race, de l’âge, de la capacité perçue, de la langue parlée, de l’orientation sexuelle et de l’identité de chacun. Nous sommes unis dans notre objectif d’être ici pour contribuer à améliorer la vie au Canada.

Accommodements 

Nous tenons fermement à notre valeur fondamentale d’inclusion. Nous accueillons et encourageons les candidats issus de groupes en quête d’équité, comme les personnes racisées, les Autochtones, les membres de la communauté 2SLGBTQIA+, les femmes, les personnes handicapées et autres. Si vous avez besoin d’accommodements pour postuler à ce poste ou lors de l’entrevue, veuillez-nous le faire savoir lorsque vous nous contacterez, et nous travaillerons avec vous pour répondre à vos besoins.

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