Merchandising, Strategy & Optimization Manager

Seattle Goodwill Industries • Seattle, WA

158d • $72,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Manager, Merchandising Strategy & Space Optimization drives data-informed merchandising decisions across physical and digital channels. This role ensures visual standards are executed and maintained through store-level training, while leveraging advanced space planning tools and analytics to optimize linear footage, maximize sales-per-square-foot, and improve operational efficiency. Serves as Project Lead for layout changes and omnichannel merchandising initiatives, aligning store environments and digital touchpoints to organizational goals for revenue growth and customer experience.

Requirements

• Experience in retail space planning, fixture productivity analysis, and store layout optimization required.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years supervisory experience.
• 3-5 years experience of visual merchandising and display space planning, or store design in soft and hard lines preferred.
• Experience with omnichannel merchandising and digital retail environments preferred.
• Proficiency in retail analytics tools, planogram software, and CAD applications.
• Knowledge of fashion trends preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be a self-starter.
• Able to demonstrate creative skills and interpret trends.
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior, visual merchandising principles, and fixture productivity analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations: Must have valid Washington Driver's license and proof of insurance along with good driving record.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to learn new technology and software as related to the job.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales-per-linear-foot data to inform fixture placement, product adjacencies, and category space allocation.
• Design and adjust store layouts to improve customer traffic flow, product visibility, and employee workflow efficiency.
• Leverage retail analytics platforms to analyze sales-per-linear-foot and customer traffic data.
• Partner with Retail Operations to align space allocation with sell-through performance and seasonal demand.
• Utilize planogram and CAD tools to develop and implement fixture and merchandise layouts that maximize space productivity.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to measure the impact of space changes on sales, customer experience, and labor efficiency.
• Develop and maintain an ongoing training program for visual standards.
• Coach and train retail and production staff in recognizing products that enhance store visual presentation, collectibles, special events, and online auctions.
• Schedule regular visits to all stores for the purpose of training and supervising visual merchandise standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain all visual merchandise materials (store visit reports, directives, plan-o-grams, and training materials, etc.).
• Partner with Marketing team to develop collateral (fixture signage, and sale/seasonal signage) to company standards and vision.
• Research and present merchandising opportunities, including techniques and fixtures that can enhance store performance and appearance.
• Act as Project Lead for new store openings and remodels, upon building turnover.
• Assist in coordinating with vendor relations and partnerships.
• Maintain and supervise fixture orders and inventory.
• Communicate regularly with Retail Operations Team.
• Communicate and give ongoing direction to the Visual Merchandise Assistant on visual merchandise standards, procedures, and assignments.
• Stay abreast of innovations, changes, and trends, including consumer behavior insights, in the retail sector. Monitor Visual Merchandising Strategies of competing brands.
• Uphold safe work practices in support of a safety culture through awareness and observation; train and educate employees of safety requirements; report any potential hazards or accidents.

Benefits

• A health plan that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.
• 100% Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and long term disability insurance (for salaried employee).
• Voluntary supplemental coverage for life, accident, illness, and short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Plan.
• Roth and 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan program.
• Paid vacation, (9) holiday and sick time.
• Limited paid time off for Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave.
• Employee discounts.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mentorship Program.
• Career Advancement Opportunities.
• Paid Job Training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree