VP, DMM Women's Shoes

WHO WE ARE:

Exemplar Luxury Group, formerly Saks Global, is the luxury collective uniting coveted brands with unrivaled customer experiences across Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Driven by a relentless devotion to our customers and powered by our talented colleagues, we offer expertly curated product assortments, unparalleled service and personalized experiences across our integrated retail model. Through strong partnerships with the world's most desired luxury brands and deep customer relationships enhanced by data-rich insights, Exemplar Luxury Group is committed to setting the standard of excellence for luxury retail.

Job Description:

YOU WILL BE:

• The VP, DMM Women’s Shoes will play a crucial leadership role in developing and executing the merchandise strategy for designated divisions/categories. This position is responsible for translating broader merchandising and divisional strategies into category-specific plans, leading the execution of these strategies, and aligning product assortment with the company’s strategic goals. • The VP DMM will drive collaboration across Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams such as Marketing and Digital, ensuring that all strategies are executed effectively to achieve financial goals. With a strong focus on brand partner negotiations, pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions, this leader will guide the business towards achieving growth and profitability.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Collaborate with the GMM to translate broader merchandising and divisional strategies into actionable category-specific strategies and tactics, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and financial objectives • Orchestrate the execution of merchandise strategies by partnering closely with Buying, Planning, and cross-pillar teams, including Marketing and Digital, to drive cohesive product assortments and seamless execution across all channels • Work directly with Buyers and their teams to ensure product assortment is fully aligned with category strategies and that the right products are available to meet customer demand • Ensure the product assortment aligns with market trends, customer demands, and category strategies • Continuously analyze product performance to optimize assortment strategies and drive profitable growth • Support the GMM in vendor negotiations, ‘world of’ discussions, and top-to-top meetings, contributing to the development of strong partnerships and favorable terms that align with business goals • Collaborate with the GMM, and Planning Leads to define and execute the pre-season and in-season roadmap, ensuring strategies and plans are aligned with financial targets and timelines. • Work with Buying and Planning teams to determine final pricing, promotional strategies, and markdown decisions, ensuring consistency with category strategies while optimizing profitability and margin • Collaborate with product development and merchandising teams to introduce innovative products that elevate the brand and resonate with customers • Lead, inspire, and align buying teams around a shared vision and strategic direction, driving collaboration across functions to meet company objectives and deliver exceptional business results

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

• Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field • 10+ years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, and brand partnership management within footwear, with direct experience in designer and luxury shoe markets and a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives at a senior level • Extensive experience in high-end brand negotiations, premier vendor management, and translating broader luxury footwear strategies into actionable plans • Extensive experience in brand negotiations, vendor management, and translating broader strategies into actionable plans • Deep understanding of retail merchandising, buying, and planning processes • Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing pricing, promotions, and markdown decisions • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities effectively • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels • Customer-centric thinker who is “art” led, and “science” informed • Preferred Qualifications (nice to haves): • MBA or advanced degree preferred

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER AT EXEMPLAR LUXURY GROUP:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation

• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate

• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)

• An amazing employee discount

Benefits: We offer the following benefits for this…