Director, Private Brands Jobs

About West Marine
West Marine is committed to serving boaters better than anyone else on the planet. We pride ourselves in delivering a Raving Fan experience and for our Crew Members as well as our customers.
If you have a passion for being on the water and are looking to join a world-class organization, then West Marine is the place for you! West Marine is recognized as the premier multi-channel retailer of boating and fishing supplies with more than 230 stores located throughout 37 states and Puerto Rico. When you work at West Marine, you’re part of a family; one that values spending quality time on the water, doing the things you love, and sharing that passion with our customers and community.
Position Summary:
As a member of the Merchandising team and leader of Private Brands, this position is responsible for private label strategy and development, including both strategic and technical execution, guest insights, private label product needs, branding and packaging strategy, and private label development. This position will be accountable for the success and operational effectiveness of private branding efforts.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with cross-functional and supplier partners.
• Leverage guest insights to determine private label product needs, branding and packaging strategy, and private label development; identify areas with greatest potential for private label offerings.
• Develop and oversee Factory social and environmental strategy, process, and execution. Develop factory oversight and compliance process and score carding.
• Lead collaboration with other merchandising and marketing teams to ensure strategy alignment and product development that is relevant to each category and market.
• Implement sourcing and quality processes into merchandising annual processes
• Oversee financial performance of private-label brands and assess progress toward sales targets and profit goals.
• Lead execution and development of private brand assortment and promotional strategy to support corporate strategic direction. Oversee development of private label strategy including packaging, suppliers, pricing and promotion strategies.

Education, Experience & Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills including a willingness to provide superior guest service, react appropriately under pressure, and apply good judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Demonstrated ability to seamlessly integrate sustainability into the Product lifecycle process
• 15+ years’ experience leading a sourcing organization that incorporates both hardgoods and softgoods
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams of stakeholders through ambiguity producing exceptional results.
• Excellent project management and analytical skills.
• Understanding of a wide array of sourcing markets from lubrication to fashion
• Previous retail experience within a convenience, discount, grocery or similar environment preferred.
• Ability to deal skillfully with suppliers to ensure merchandising needs are met.
• Established network of global contracts in sourcing, QA, testing and factory compliance.
• 8+ years progressive experience in merchandising or similar field, with specific experience in private brand development (or equivalent) required
• Bachelors in Business Management, Technical Sciences, MBA preferred
• Strong knowledge required in brand development, marketing and merchandising concepts and vendor relationship management