Manager, Merchandising Strategy & Operations at Athleta
San Francisco, CA
About the Job
About AthletaFor the past 25 years, we’ve committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls
Inspiration
Collaboration
Connection
Inclusivity
It’s what we do best, and we’re on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences. We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp
Ready to make a move? Join us
Because we know that alone we’re strong, but together we’re unstoppable.About the RoleThe Manager of Merchandising Strategy & Operations at Athleta reports to the Director of Merchandising Strategy & Operations
In this role you will be responsible for driving the development of long-range product and category strategies, focusing on new innovations for the brand in partnership with the cross-functional Product leaders, and ensuring our seasonal strategies connect back to our long-range goals
You will build market and competitor intelligence capabilities and partner closely with Customer Insights to leverage those insights to inform and shape product strategies and go-to-market plans for new product developments
You will also shape the innovation pipeline process to foster a culture of innovation and lead Athleta in its next phase of growth.In this highly visible role you will work with and become a thought partner to leaders in the Athleta Product team and across the broader organization (e.g., Customer Insights, Marketing)
As such, collaboration, influence, and communication are critical skills for your success
Strategic thinking, advanced analytics and an ability to connect-the-dots across multiple data points, teams, and initiatives are required
You will need to both think big and also be comfortable rolling up your sleeves.What You'll DoExecute on Product long-range plans in partnership with the Product cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Design, Production, Inventory Management) to connect strategies to our long lead and seasonal processes – from ideating new innovations to sizing/assessing new opportunities to market entry plansPartner with cross-functional teams on development and refreshing of their product LRP’s as well as drive strategic product-related growth initiatives for the brand
This includes project planning, cross-functional project management, ownership of deliverables, driving business impact, and engagement with key stakeholdersLead strategic projects focused on opportunities to drive productivity and profitability (e.g., pricing and discounting); Develop analyses and use industry standard resources (e.g., Circana, Centric Pricing) to recommend updates to Athleta pricing and assortmentInject market & customer insights into the business at relevant points in the pipeline, and build organizational capability to understand, digest, and use that information to make better product and investment decisions, ensuring everything we do is customer-centricPresent findings and recommendations to product leaders and senior executives across AthletaWho You Are4-6 years of professional work experience; Bachelor’s degree, MBA a plus; Ideally 2-3 years with a top-tier management consulting firm and/or experience working at a retail/apparel brand in Strategy, Inventory Management or MerchandisingDemonstrated track record as an outstanding problem solver and strategic thinker with the ability to quickly identify key issues and develop hypothesesAble to translate complex ideas and dispersed information into simple, actionable recommendationsStrong analytical and financial modeling skills, with ability to oversee and provide direction to cross-functional partners and/or more junior team membersStrong business acumen related to consumer facing businesses and ability to assess impact of decisions on overall business performanceStrength in written and oral communication with proven ability to connect with and influence senior leaders and strong ability and willingness to collaborate effectively as a team playerBenefits at AthletaMerchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*Employee stock purchase plan.*Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*See more of the benefits we offer.*For eligible employees
Inspiration
Collaboration
Connection
Inclusivity
It’s what we do best, and we’re on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences. We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp
Ready to make a move? Join us
Because we know that alone we’re strong, but together we’re unstoppable.About the RoleThe Manager of Merchandising Strategy & Operations at Athleta reports to the Director of Merchandising Strategy & Operations
In this role you will be responsible for driving the development of long-range product and category strategies, focusing on new innovations for the brand in partnership with the cross-functional Product leaders, and ensuring our seasonal strategies connect back to our long-range goals
You will build market and competitor intelligence capabilities and partner closely with Customer Insights to leverage those insights to inform and shape product strategies and go-to-market plans for new product developments
You will also shape the innovation pipeline process to foster a culture of innovation and lead Athleta in its next phase of growth.In this highly visible role you will work with and become a thought partner to leaders in the Athleta Product team and across the broader organization (e.g., Customer Insights, Marketing)
As such, collaboration, influence, and communication are critical skills for your success
Strategic thinking, advanced analytics and an ability to connect-the-dots across multiple data points, teams, and initiatives are required
You will need to both think big and also be comfortable rolling up your sleeves.What You'll DoExecute on Product long-range plans in partnership with the Product cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Design, Production, Inventory Management) to connect strategies to our long lead and seasonal processes – from ideating new innovations to sizing/assessing new opportunities to market entry plansPartner with cross-functional teams on development and refreshing of their product LRP’s as well as drive strategic product-related growth initiatives for the brand
This includes project planning, cross-functional project management, ownership of deliverables, driving business impact, and engagement with key stakeholdersLead strategic projects focused on opportunities to drive productivity and profitability (e.g., pricing and discounting); Develop analyses and use industry standard resources (e.g., Circana, Centric Pricing) to recommend updates to Athleta pricing and assortmentInject market & customer insights into the business at relevant points in the pipeline, and build organizational capability to understand, digest, and use that information to make better product and investment decisions, ensuring everything we do is customer-centricPresent findings and recommendations to product leaders and senior executives across AthletaWho You Are4-6 years of professional work experience; Bachelor’s degree, MBA a plus; Ideally 2-3 years with a top-tier management consulting firm and/or experience working at a retail/apparel brand in Strategy, Inventory Management or MerchandisingDemonstrated track record as an outstanding problem solver and strategic thinker with the ability to quickly identify key issues and develop hypothesesAble to translate complex ideas and dispersed information into simple, actionable recommendationsStrong analytical and financial modeling skills, with ability to oversee and provide direction to cross-functional partners and/or more junior team membersStrong business acumen related to consumer facing businesses and ability to assess impact of decisions on overall business performanceStrength in written and oral communication with proven ability to connect with and influence senior leaders and strong ability and willingness to collaborate effectively as a team playerBenefits at AthletaMerchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*Employee stock purchase plan.*Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*See more of the benefits we offer.*For eligible employees
