Director, Merchandising, Utility at KEEN Footwear

OverviewThe Director of Merchandising for Utility oversees the merchandising strategy line architecture andcommercial performance for the work boot product category. The role balances consumer insightscompetitive trends and financial goals to build a profitable channel-right assortment. Working cross-functionally with Product Sales Marketing Insights and Planning this position translates marketfeedback and category analytics into informed assortment decisions pricing direction and whitespaceopportunities. It also guides seasonal GTM readiness and ensures Utility products are positioned andcommunicated effectively across global markets. This role supports the long-term growth of the Utilitycategory through clear merchandising strategy thoughtful product planning and consistent market evaluation.Essential FunctionsDescriptionLeads the end-to-end merchandising strategy for the Utility product lineensuring alignment with brand vision long-term business objectives andmarket opportunities. Owns the seasonal line architecture and multi-yearroadmap driving a profitable and consumer-right assortment acrosscategories channels and regions.Defines and optimizes the product portfolio through data-driven insights managing lifecycle planning SKU efficiency margin performance andsegmentation strategies. Partners with Product Sales and Insights teamsto translate market and consumer feedback into commercially viableopportunitiesidentifying whitespace guiding franchise management andinforming new product initiatives.Oversees comprehensive market competitor and consumer analyses to inform product positioning price architecture and assortment insights to guide revenue planning margin optimization andstrategic forecasting for divisional and enterprise-level planning.Directs the GTM process ensuring seasonal strategies launch timelines and cross-functional alignment across Merchandising Product Sales andMarketing. Leads the development of merchandising tools and sellingassets (line plans merch guides price architecture sell-in/sell-throughtools) that clearly communicate product strategy and value.Serves as a key merchandising voice in pre-line line review and key account presentations. Provides strategic guidance to cross-functionalpartners to ensure assortments meet consumer needs support revenuegoals and respond to competitive dynamics.Owns pricing frameworks ensuring alignment with financial targets and market dynamics. Partners closely with Planning and Sales to ensurechannel-right assortments margin health and profitable market penetration.Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.QualificationsBachelors Degree in Merchandising Business Administration Marketing Finance Retail Management or related field required.Minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience in merchandising category management product strategy or a related field with experience in a senior or strategic merchandising role with direct experience leading assortment planning pricing architecture and go-to-market executionAny equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform theessential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.Knowledge Skills and AbilitiesDeep understanding of product lifecycle management SKU rationalization pricing architectureand segmentation strategies.Strong grasp of consumer behavior buying trends market dynamics and competitive landscapeanalysis.Experience with budgeting forecasting margin optimization and sales performance analysis.Expertise in aligning merchandising strategy with marketing and sales initiatives for successful product launches.Knowledge of wholesale e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies.Ability to develop long-term merchandising plans that align with corporate growth objectives.Proficiency in evaluating sales data market trends and performance metrics to drive informed merchandising decisions.Strong ability to manage multiple projects timelines and deliverables across teams.Skilled in partnering with Product Sales Marketing and Finance to drive business success.Ability to present data-driven insights and strategies to leadership sales teams and key accounts.Experience with merchandising tools such as PLM software (e.g. Centric) ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel PowerPoint etc.).Ability to pivot strategies based on market shifts sales trends and business needs.Ensures merchandising plans are executed with precision aligning with brand and revenue goals.Stays ahead of emerging industry trends technologies and consumer expectations.Ability to support and lead merch focused long range plan for Keen Utility.Strong people management experience leadership skillsetTravel Required:Yes up to 25% of the time.Salary Range: $169500 to $188300This range represents the low and high ends of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience knowledge skills and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.Why Work at KEEN:Driven by a passion for life outside KEEN is a values-led independently owned brand from Portland Oregon thats on a mission to create original and versatile products improve lives and inspire outside adventure. Foundedin 2003 KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donatedmore than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreationincludingconservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for giving back reducing impact and activating communities and individuals to protectthe places where we work and playKEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.At KEEN we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand we acknowledge that our business buildings and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge rights and resilience of these peoples.KEEN Footwear is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race color religion sex national origin age sexual orientation gender identity gender expression veteran status or disability.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Restaurant Experience,Food Service,GIS,Hand Tools,Lift Truck Experience,Construction Experience,Wastewater,Commercial Driving,Screen Printing,Operations Management,Sanitation,Power Tools Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 169500 - 188300