Merchandise Strategy Project Manager

Overview

A leading national pet specialty retailer is seeking a Merchandising Strategy Project Manager to drive transformational initiatives within their Merchandising Operations function. This role will lead the alignment of people, process, and systems to execute the organization's multi-year merchandising strategy. You'll manage strategic departmental initiatives, coordinate deliverables across multiple workstreams, implement process improvements, and develop capabilities that empower merchandising teams to make data-driven strategic decisions.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Execution & Governance

• Establish and operate a Control Tower to drive end-to-end execution governance of category/line review and Go-to-Market processes
• Ensure standardization across all product categories and maintain consistency in strategic planning
• Oversee exit strategy and SKU transition planning governance, ensuring space and inventory timelines are consistently met
• Drive reduction in no-home/no-clearance items, donations, and correctives through rigorous tracking against plan
• Manage new item introductions, product exits, and off-cycle test-and-learn initiatives

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate closely with Marketing to identify key planning inputs that drive channel plans and ensure effective communication of merchant priorities
• Partner with Category Management, Financial Planning & Analysis, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Channel teams, Enterprise Analytics, Consumer Insights, IT, and Product Management
• Define process inputs and ensure timely delivery from merchant teams within individual Strategic Business Units

Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate inputs across merchandising workflows
• Create a universal source of truth for planning documents and strategic initiatives
• Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvement

Key Competencies

Leadership & Influence

• Manage workstreams across the broader Merchandising Operations, Strategy & Support team
• Strong leadership, organizational, coaching, and influencing capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels, including executive leadership and external partners

Change Management

• Create compelling cases for change and drive transformation with internal and external stakeholders
• Solve complex problems by assessing situations, analyzing data, identifying root causes, and developing actionable solutions
• Demonstrate initiative and autonomy in executing strategic initiatives

Agility & Results

• High adaptability with ability to quickly learn new business challenges and identify dependencies across initiatives
• Drive measurable results and establish metrics to monitor, track, and report project progress
• Manage collaboration and communication to ensure teams have resources needed for efficient execution

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3-4 years of experience in Retail, Project Management, Merchandising functions, Retail Analytics, or related areas
• Strong knowledge of retail merchandising cross-functional teams, systems, processes, and tools
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, marketing, IT, finance, channel teams, and operations
• Demonstrated ability to drive projects from inception to delivery with clear structure, timely communication, and strong governance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation capabilities
• Significant project and program management experience with track record of managing high-visibility projects to completion
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects
• Proven success developing and building strong teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI)

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.