Senior Director of Merchandising Ops

Overview

Reporting to the Chief Merchandising Officer, the Sr. Director of Merchandising Operations leads enterprise merchandising operations strategy and execution across all channels. This role owns merchandising operations functions, systems, processes, and governance that support a dynamic omnichannel retail business. The Sr. Director leads a team in a strategic, data-driven, and operationally excellent manner while ensuring alignment with the company's brand, customer, and growth objectives. This leader is responsible for driving operational efficiency, process consistency, data integrity, system optimization, and cross-functional collaboration across Merchandising, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, Finance, and Information Technology. The ideal candidate combines strong retail business acumen with deep merchandising operations expertise, systems knowledge, and the ability to build high-performing teams in a fast-paced specialty retail environment. The Merch Ops team will report to this role.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overview

• Support the “Cavender’s Culture” and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Lead the end-to-end merchandising operations function across footwear and apparel.
• Partner with the Chief Merchandising Officer and cross-functional leaders to ensure operational processes support company objectives.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide merchandising operations strategies that improve efficiency, scalability, and operational effectiveness.
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Store Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Ecommerce, and Information Technology leadership to align operational initiatives with business goals.
• Drive scalable operational processes and organizational capabilities to support continued company growth.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve execution, and increase organizational effectiveness.

Merchandising Operations & Systems

• Lead merchandising operations processes, calendar management, data governance, and workflow optimization.
• Champion systems enhancements, reporting tools, and retail technology initiatives supporting merchandising operations.
• Improve visibility and decision-making through analytics, dashboards, and performance reporting.
• Ensure operational consistency, process discipline, and cross-functional alignment across the merchandising organization.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, policies, and procedures that support business objectives.
• Partner with Information Technology and Analytics teams to enhance system functionality, reporting capabilities, and data accuracy.
• Support new store openings, remodels, and expansion initiatives through operational planning and execution.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing merchandising operations teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop organizational talent and succession plans for critical leadership roles.
• Serve as a senior leader contributing to company-wide strategy and performance initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Operations, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive retail leadership experience in merchandising operations, retail systems, inventory management, process improvement, or related retail functions.
• Significant experience within specialty retail, apparel, footwear, western/lifestyle, or related consumer retail sectors preferred.
• Proven success leading merchandising operations functions within a large-scale, multi-unit retail organization.
• Strong business acumen with expertise in retail operations, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Experience leading large teams and developing organizational capabilities in high-growth environments.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Advanced knowledge of merchandising systems, retail technologies, reporting platforms, and operational workflows.
• Experience supporting rapid store growth, new store openings, or remodels.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and customer-focused retail environment.

Preferred Skills

• Proven track record of driving process improvement and operational scalability.
• Experience leading organizational transformation or system modernization initiatives.
• Familiarity with merchandising systems, retail operations technology, reporting platforms, and data governance practices.
• Strong partnership experience with Information Technology, Analytics, Supply Chain, and Merchandising teams.

Cavender’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Cavender’s will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at (888) 361 – 2555 or visit your nearest Cavender’s store.