IT Director Merchandising Systems & Processes

SUMMARY

The IT Director of Merchandising Systems and Processes serves as a key technology leader responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of systems supporting core merchandising operations. This role ensures technology solutions are aligned with business strategy, enabling efficiency, scalability, and insight through data-driven innovation.

The Director leads a team of approximately 15–20 professionals, including on-shore and off-shore consultants, system analysts, and developers. Success in this role requires strong collaboration with both business stakeholders and development teams to translate strategic goals into actionable technology initiatives that deliver measurable business value.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and execute a multi-year roadmap for merchandising systems that supports corporate objectives and modernization goals.
• Partner with executive and merchandising leadership to identify and deliver digital transformation opportunities across pricing, promotions, assortment planning, and space management.
• Serve as the primary IT liaison for all merchandising systems, ensuring continuous alignment between business priorities and IT execution.
• Technology and Process Management
• Lead the design, development, configuration, and support of merchandising, promotions, and item data systems.
• Promote best practices in process engineering, data governance, and systems integration.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations for merchandising-related technologies and services.
• Data and Integration
• Champion the use of data analytics and integration to enhance decision-making and performance tracking.
• Oversee and optimize data flows between enterprise systems, merchandising platforms, and analytics tools.
• Encourage adoption of modern data technologies such as SQL and Snowflake to improve data accessibility and reporting capabilities.
• Operational Excellence
• Manage annual budgets, forecasts, and resource plans for merchandising systems.
• Mentor and develop team members to build leadership and technical depth across both on-shore and off-shore teams.
• Stay informed on emerging retail and technology trends to guide future strategies.
• Ensure compliance with corporate IT security, audit, and operational standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of merchandising operations, including space management, promotions, and master data management.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging both technical and executive audiences.
• Track record of delivering large-scale technology initiatives on time and within budget.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and measurable business impact.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of IT leadership experience supporting merchandising, planning, or supply chain functions.
• 7+ years of enterprise-level technology management experience, preferably in a retail environment.
• Demonstrated success leading global technology teams and managing vendor partnerships.
• Experience with:
• Exposure to SAP or other ERP systems is preferred, particularly in contexts involving integration and data alignment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

SCHEDULE AND TRAVEL

• On-call availability for critical production support as required.
• Some travel to corporate offices, distribution centers, or vendor sites.