Director, Bedding Category Management & Merchandising

The Director of Bedding Category Management & Merchandising is responsible for developing and executing the national bedding strategy for Ashley Retail. This leader owns the performance of the bedding category, including assortment planning, pricing and margin optimization, merchandising direction, vendor strategy, category growth initiatives, and regional merchant leadership.

Primary Job Functions

Category Ownership & Business Performance

• Lead the national bedding category strategy for Ashley Retail.
• Own category sales, gross margin, profitability, inventory productivity, and market share performance.
• Develop annual and multi-year category growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Identify opportunities to expand category penetration, improve assortment productivity, and increase customer attachment rates.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure category effectiveness and business performance.

Assortment Strategy & Product Selection

• Develop and maintain the national bedding assortment strategy across all mattress, adjustable base, pillow, protector, sheet, and sleep accessory categories.
• Determine national assortment standards while enabling localized market strategies where appropriate.
• Lead line reviews, category evaluations, and assortment optimization initiatives.
• Utilize sales, customer, inventory, competitive, and market data to inform assortment decisions.
• Evaluate product lifecycle performance and manage product introductions, exits, and refresh strategies.

Pricing & Margin Management

• Own category pricing strategy across all bedding categories.
• Establish retail pricing recommendations designed to maximize profitability while maintaining market competitiveness.
• Manage margin targets, promotional planning, and product mix optimization.
• Monitor competitive pricing landscapes and recommend strategic adjustments.

Merchandising Strategy

• Develop enterprise-wide bedding merchandising standards and strategies.
• Create merchandising playbooks, floor placement guidelines, and space allocation recommendations.
• Establish category storytelling and product presentation standards that improve customer engagement and conversion.
• Partner with Retail Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to ensure consistent execution across all locations.
• Lead innovation in showroom merchandising and customer shopping experiences.

Licensee Partnership & Advisory Support

• Serve as the primary merchandising and category management resource for the Ashley licensee community.
• Develop and communicate national bedding strategies, assortment recommendations, and best practices.
• Provide data-driven insights and category performance analyses to support licensee decision-making.
• Conduct strategic consultations with licensees to improve category performance.
• Identify and share best practices from top-performing markets and retail locations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a team of regional bedding merchants.
• Establish performance expectations, development plans, and succession planning initiatives.
• Coach teams on category management, assortment optimization, analytics, and merchandising best practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate category initiatives and execution plans across regions.

Vendor & Strategic Partnership Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key bedding manufacturers and strategic suppliers.
• Lead vendor line reviews, negotiations, and strategic planning efforts.
• Evaluate new product opportunities and emerging industry trends.
• Partner with vendors on product launches, training programs, marketing support, and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure vendor strategies align with company growth objectives.

Analytics & Market Intelligence

• Analyze sales trends, consumer behavior, inventory productivity, and category performance metrics.
• Leverage customer insights and market data to drive assortment and pricing decisions.
• Monitor competitive retail environments and emerging sleep industry trends.
• Develop executive-level reporting and strategic recommendations.
• Translate data into actionable business initiatives that improve performance.

Secondary Job Functions

This section describes the secondary responsibilities that this job performs.

1. Maintain reliable attendance.
2. Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
3. Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.

Job Qualifications

Education:

· Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field.

Experience:

· 8+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, retail buying, or product management.

· 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business performance.

· Bedding or Home Furnishings experience, Preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Strong attention to detail

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Effective time management and organizational skills

· Work independently as well as in a team environment

· Document management system

· Analytical and problem solving skills

· Maintain confidentiality

· Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement

· Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints

· Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet

· Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment

· Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect

· Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers

· Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries

Schedule Expectations

1. This position will be required to travel frequently.
2. Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary.

Job Competencies

1. Ethics and values
2. Integrity and trust
3. Strategic thinking and business acumen
4. Data-driven decision making
5. Relationship building and collaboration
6. Strong organizational and time management skills
7. Attention to detail and accuracy
8. Adaptability and problem-solving
9. Customer-focused mindset
10. Initiative and self-motivation