Ashley Furniture

Build You Career with Ashley

Work with the latest trends in home furnishings on a global stage. It’s an exciting time to join our Merchandising team, whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take your skills to the next level.

Director Merchandising

The Director of Merchandising is accountable for maximizing their category sales and profitability in alignment with the company strategies and brand. This involves developing and executing a robust merchandising strategy, driving product development with the in-house design team, leading the merchandising team to high performance, devising compelling marketing and promotions programs, and maintaining a focus on continuous learning and improvement.

• Review and analyze consumer demographic and psychographic characteristics, fashion trends, retail landscape and other relevant data to stylistically interpret, financially plan for and react to emerging market trends and conditions.
• Determine appropriate competitive strategies to drive category product development, good/better/best quality merchandise assortment and quantity, purchase, pricing, margin, promotion and clearance to complement the other product categories and maximize return of advertising investment.
• Partner with merchandise planning to develop and implement a balanced investment strategy by category and store type.
• Assist in decision making regarding prices, quantities, freight terms, allowances and product packaging based on the purchasing plan.
• Report to the executive team on the “state of the category” using financial analysis and other fact-based data in terms of current performance, new styles, trends, promotions, best sellers, etc.
• Research and shop competitors to ensure the Company is a category value leader.
• Travel to retail store locations to conduct velocity walks; review and evaluate product mix and gain insight regarding quality or other issues and translate those findings into executable plans.
• Provide product development recommendations to the in-house design team; bring fresh perspectives to the table that reflect price point and design trend needs.
• Serve as the product merchandise advocate for the enterprise stores as well as the licensee network.
• Travel domestically and internationally to corporate, manufacturing plants, trade shows, markets and other events to observe market trends, gather product information, examine product quality and other attributes; select merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors, if necessary.
• Negotiate with vendors and others to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives by securing the best opportunities in pricing, quantity, freight terms, allowances and product packaging based on the purchasing plan.
• Ensure all product documentation is complete and on file with required departments.
• Support marketing for promotion collateral development, as well as promotional calendar and market calendar reconciliation.
• Review and approve the accuracy of all strategic and technical information, such as product mix, item selection, item description, price direction, etc., prior to set deadlines.
• Participate, as needed, in planogram and display concept set-up, as well as new store set-up.
• Provide educational material to the field through launch process.
• Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc.
• Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area’s goals. Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to.
• Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring, and administering performance reviews. Recommend, plan and/or implement employee training and skill development activities.
• Audit, maintain and ensure employee time-keeping and absentee records are accurate.
• Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities.
• Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials.
• Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.

What Do You Need?

• 10 years’ experience in purchasing, buying, merchandising, brand management, marketing or related field, preferably in home case goods in multiple, global locations, Required
• Supervisory/Management experience
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Document management system
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Maintain confidentiality
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
• Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
• Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
• Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
• Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
• Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries

Who Are We?

At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.

Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business.

Apply today and find your home at Ashley!

Benefits We Offer

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
• Telehealth
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values

• Honesty & Integrity
• Passion, Drive, Discipline
• Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
• Dirty Fingernail
• Growth Focused

To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page:

Corporate Social Responsibility

https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility/report/

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully:

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity unless an agreement is in place. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Ashley Furniture via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Ashley Furniture. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Ashley Furniture as a result of the referral or through other means.