Divisional Merchandise Manager

Kirkland's, Inc.•Brentwood, TN

About The Position

The Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM) is a senior merchant leader responsible for setting the strategic direction, financial vision, and product roadmap for assigned Micro Concepts/Categories. This role leads and develops the buying organization, shapes the merchandise strategy for stores and eCommerce, and drives profitable growth through exceptional product development and selection, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional leadership. The DMM ensures that the division delivers an inspiring, customer-centric assortment while meeting financial goals for sales, margin, inventory productivity, and market share.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
10+ years omni-channel merchandising/ buying experience and/or product development/sourcing
Strong analytical, strategic planning, and financial modeling skills.
High intelligence with a true entrepreneurial risk mentality and strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Acute fashion sense with proven talent to envision and interpret fashion and customer trends
Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
Ability to lead and inspire with unquestionable integrity and trust.
Proven ability to identify, develop and retain top talent.
Proven ability to pivot and adjust quickly.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate a compelling multi-year merchandising strategy and seasonal vision.
Translate strategy into actionable assortment plans, financial targets, and priorities.
Own category/divisional performance across sales, margin, IMU, and inventory.
Lead buyers in developing data-driven, customer-focused assortments.
Ensure assortments reflect brand standards for design, quality, and innovation.
Conduct market evaluations, trend forecasting, and competitive research.
Build and maintain strong vendor/factory partnerships.
Negotiate costs, terms, exclusives, and programs.
Oversee vendor performance management in partnership with Global Sourcing and Vendor Relations Director.
Partner with Planning to develop financial plans.
Lead pricing & promotional strategies.
Monitor divisional performance and execute corrective actions in partnership with planning and allocation.
Collaborate with Planning, eCommerce, Marketing, Visual Merch, Stores, and Inventory.
Align store + eCommerce assortments to optimize customer experience.
Ensure communication and operational alignment.
Lead, inspire, and develop the buying team.
Invest in coaching, mentoring, and talent development.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment.
Champion communication across stores and merchandising.
Drive process improvements and operational efficiency.
Represent the division in leadership forums.