Lead Merchandising DTC Apparel

Merchandising / Buying, Somerville, United States of America

• Lead seasonal merchandising strategy for DTC Apparel, building customer‑centric assortments sourced from the global design range and regional design development, tailored specifically to the North American eCommerce and Flagship consumer. Ensure strategies align to global brand priorities, DTC channel objectives, and Open‑To‑Buy (OTB) targets, reflecting the brand’s premium positioning at the consumer touchpoint.
• Own in‑season assortment management, maintaining depth, balance, and flow.
• Partner closely with the Planning team to forecast demand, buy the line, and translate department‑level strategies into actionable financial plans. Ensure inventory, margin, and volume targets are optimized while supporting key growth and brand initiatives.
• Analyze and interpret sales, inventory, and market data to deliver clear insights, actionable recommendations, and in‑season trading strategies. Apply strong analytical rigor and business acumen from a buying perspective to drive performance and support decision‑making at pace.
• Develop, own, and present GTM milestone materials, clearly articulating seasonal strategies, product priorities, and key initiatives to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders with clarity, influence, and commercial storytelling.
• Collaborate directly with Regional Product Line Management and Design to influence the creation of DTC‑specific product extensions of key brand strategies, ensuring alignment to brand voice, assortment architecture, and the specific needs of the North American consumer.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Planning, Marketing, Digital, Retail Operations, and Supply Chain to identify and implement efficiencies that drive profit optimization, speed to market, and improved execution across the DTC ecosystem.
• Collaborate with Retail and Wholesale Merchandising teams to ensure consistent product storytelling, aligned strategies, and integrated category presentations across footwear, apparel, and accessories—elevating the overall brand experience for the consumer.
• Work closely with Marketing and Product teams on a consistent cadence to maximize product visibility and impact during key selling windows, launches, and seasonal moments through aligned storytelling and activation priorities.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, including trend evolution, pricing architecture, product segmentation, marketing strategies, and key items, identifying whitespace and growth opportunities to inform assortment and pricing decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in Merchandising and Buying within a DTC, Retail, or Wholesale environment, with a strong emphasis on Apparel with willingness to expand and grow into other divisions of the business.
• Highly developed business acumen and command of retail math, with the ability to link strategy to financial outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, demonstrating strong partnership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills; prior people management or mentoring experience a plus.
• Exceptional analytical capability, with a data‑driven mindset and confidence translating insights into commercial actions.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, including pivot tables, formulas, and the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas through compelling presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple timelines, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Creative, strategic thinker with an eye for product storytelling, assortment flow, and impactful presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally and confidently across multiple product divisions, with deep apparel expertise and versatility collaborating with footwear and accessories teams.
• Results‑driven, adaptable, and comfortable making decisions in an evolving DTC and consumer‑focused landscape.

The hiring range base pay for this position is  90, + Bonus + Benefits

Pay may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.