Americas - Merchandise Manager Non-Footwear

Needham, MA, USA

Posted Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The Non‑Footwear Merchandise Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, assortment planning, financial performance, and overall vision for all non‑footwear categories. This role focuses on trend-right product selection, strong financial management, and cross-functional leadership to deliver compelling assortments that meet customer expectations and drive business results.

• Develop and execute a merchandising strategy that aligns with company and seasonal objectives.
• Build and optimize assortments across non‑footwear categories (e.g., accessories, bags, socks, hats, seasonal items, apparel, jewelry).
• Analyze customer insights, market trends, competitor assortments, and emerging opportunities to inform category growth.
• Ensure a balanced mix of newness, core essentials, innovation, and seasonal offerings.
• Monitor category performance and KPIs, identifying risks and opportunities while making in‑season adjustments to drive results.
• Partner with Planning and Allocation teams to optimize inventory, improve sell‑through, and reduce markdown exposure.
• Manage annual and seasonal financial plans, including sales, margin, inventory levels, and open‑to‑buy (OTB).
• Collaborate with Marketing, E‑Commerce, Visual Merchandising, and Store Operations to support product launches, in‑store storytelling, and digital merchandising.
• Communicate category strategy, product insights, and business performance updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Manage categories from assortment build through launch, in‑season management, and exit strategies.
• Maximize SKU productivity through thoughtful assortment rationalization.
• Ensure accuracy and readiness of all product details, delivery timelines, and website/store setup.
• Stay current on non‑footwear trends through competitive shopping, market research, and social/digital insights.
• Monitor customer purchasing behavior, regional patterns, and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• 5+ years of merchandising, buying, or category management experience (non‑footwear/Accessories or related categories helpful).
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience in OTB, margin management, and forecasting.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in omni‑channel retail.
• Background in fast‑paced, seasonal, or high‑SKU businesses with monthly drops.
• Advanced Excel skills and assortment tool along with familiarity with merchandising systems.

This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company's discretion at any time, with or without notice.

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