The SVP, Chief Merchandising Officer is an integral member of the J.Jill executive team, leading the J.Jill merchandising and planning & allocation strategy and responsible for interpreting the J.Jill design vision and brand concept into the business. This individual will oversee all merchandising, planning and allocation activities and will set the long-term strategic direction for all product categories across all three channels: stores, catalog, and e-commerce.  The SVP, Chief Merchandising Officer is responsible for devising a long-term merchandising strategy that aligns with the company's overarching strategy and growth objectives. The person in this role acts as a visionary merchant by crafting a well-considered assortment architecture and providing thought leadership on the business's strategic direction. Challenges the status quo and strives to optimize product flow.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Understand and interpret the J.Jill brand and target customers to build a compelling merchandise assortment and investment in the assortment for all product categories across all three channels: stores, catalog, and ecommerce
• Develop and execute a comprehensive merchandising strategy that aligns with the company’s vision, driving product assortment to optimize sales and profitability, considering the dynamics of each of the company’s sales channels
• Perform extensive market analysis and trend forecasting to ensure the product assortment meets customer demands and stays ahead of industry trends
• Collaborate with design, marketing and channel teams to develop a new product cadence strategy, ensure cohesive launch plans, and enhance overall business performance and inventory sell-through
• Adopt efficient inventory management practices to maintain balanced stock levels and minimize overstock, ensuring optimal product availability
• Leverage data analytics to guide merchandising decision, monitor performance metrics, and adapt strategies based on consumer behavior and trends
• Leverage technology and modern merchandising tools to enhance decision making, streamline operations and critical processes, and improve overall merchandising effectiveness
• Develop and implement strategic merchandising best practices to drive top and bottom-line performance
• Sets the direction for long-range merchandising strategies, including organizational structure, merchandising process improvements, and calendar management
• Execute the overall merchandising strategies including overseeing merchandising for retail stores, e-commerce, and catalog. This includes merchandising of the retail floor set, printed catalog and the website according to the stated practice and frequency.
• Monitor product results and makes adjustments, keeping team focused on relevant data and communicating strategies across the organization
• Fosters a learning environment to develop and mentor teams

 KEY RELATIONSHIPS: 

• Reports to CEO
• Oversees Merchandising, Planning & Allocation teams
• Works closely with Creative, Design, Marketing, channel leaders and other critical partners across the business

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• A broad set of executive and business leadership skills that includes women’s apparel merchandising expertise, business acumen, communication and relationship-building skills, leadership abilities, strategic thinking, as well as a personal commitment to the J.Jill business and brand
• An understanding of and affinity for the J.Jill customer and a strong connection to the J.Jill brand

• Ability to identify and exploit market trends and keep the merchandise true to the customer and brand
• Ability to harness the energies and integrate the cross-functional expertise of the merchant teams and work closely with Marketing, Design and Creative teams
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills; ability to translate great merchandise content into bottom line profit
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, combined with the ability to execute at a tactical level

• A solid understanding of business strategy, as well as experience implementing best practices across multiple functions and business channels
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the J.Jill organization
• A strong management orientation with an understanding of how to coach, mentor, and develop leaders

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required, MBA a plus
• 14+ years experience in Merchandising
• 10+ years experience directing or managing teams.

• Experience leading the merchandising function for a sizable vertical, multi-channel apparel retailer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.