Vice President of Procurement and Merchandising

The Opportunity: The Vice President of Procurement and Merchandising is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the organization’s sourcing, category management, and product strategy. This highly visible position plays a critical role in driving profitability, enhancing supplier partnerships, and shaping the evolution of the company’s product portfolio. The VP will lead end-to-end procurement and merchandising functions, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives while delivering value through cost optimization, innovation, and market responsiveness. This leader will leverage data-driven insights to inform assortment decisions, strengthen vendor performance, and identify opportunities for growth and differentiation. Essential Job Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of company-wide procurement and merchandising strategies aligned with business objectives and growth targets Oversee sourcing, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and reliability Drive category management strategies, including assortment planning, pricing, lifecycle management, and promotional optimization Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, marketing, and sales to align product strategy with customer demand and market trends Identify and implement opportunities for margin expansion through strategic sourcing, cost optimization, and product innovation Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers to foster collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate supplier performance, category profitability, and merchandising effectiveness Lead demand forecasting and inventory optimization efforts to ensure product availability while minimizing excess and obsolescence Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging analytics to inform purchasing, pricing, and assortment strategies Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and merchandising processes to increase efficiency and scalability Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing procurement and merchandising teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation Monitor market dynamics, competitive activity, and industry trends to proactively adjust strategies and maintain a competitive advantage Support new product development and portfolio expansion initiatives in partnership with product development and marketing teams Principal Skills & Attributes Required 10+ years of leadership experience in procurement, merchandising, or category management Proven ability to lead Category Management and or Buying teams Strong background in supplier negotiations, sourcing strategy, and cost management Demonstrated ownership of financial performance including margin and P&LAdvanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into business decisions Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills Inspiring, collaborative leader who can motivate and guide teams. A hands-on leadership approach that thrives in a collaborative environment. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Deep understanding of the retail industry, market trends, and consumer behavior. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to convey strategy and results to executive teams and stakeholders. Ability to analyze data and use insights for decision-making. Ability to pivot and address challenges in a constantly evolving industry. Innovative problem-solver open to change and continuous improvement. Customer- and end-user–oriented perspective Demonstrates humility, sound judgment, and respect for cross-functional expertise Unwavering commitment to ethics, integrity, and high professional standards