Lead Merchant, Kids Global Footwear - Converse

Become part of the Converse Team

Converse is a place to explore potential, break barriers and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Converse, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving world to make things better as a team.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $102,800.00 in our lowest geographic market to $210,000.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.

Information about benefits can be found here .

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Global Merchandising Footwear team brings product strategy to life for Converse consumers around the world. This role reports to the Director of Global Merchandising, Chuck Taylor, and partners closely with Global Product Management, Marketing, Planning, Channel Merchandising, and Marketplace teams while maintaining strong alignment with the Mens/Unisex and Womens footwear businesses.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Converse is looking for a consumer-obsessed merchant with a passion for product and a deep curiosity for culture. You stay connected to how people move, express themselves, and engage with the world around them. Whether it's footwear, apparel, furniture, toys, or anything designed with intent, you see product as a reflection of creativity and connection.

You bring equal parts instinct and analysis, using data, marketplace insights, and consumer behavior to inform decisions and unlock growth. You thrive in fast-moving environments, navigate ambiguity with confidence, and build strong partnerships across functions. You're a collaborative problem solver who leads through influence, embraces accountability, and approaches every challenge with a learner's mindset. Most importantly, you're energized by shaping product strategies that serve the next generation of creators.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, commercial, marketing, product, retail, or analytics roles supporting these functions
• Proven ability to influence across levels, drive alignment, and communicate with clarity
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to translate insights into action
• Open to work in Boston, MA

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As Lead Merchant, Kids Footwear, you'll help shape the future of Converse product for Gen Alpha creators. You'll drive seasonal and long-range merchandising strategies, connecting consumer insights, marketplace opportunities, and business priorities to create meaningful growth.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead global line planning, assortment architecture, and seasonal merchandising strategy for Kids' Footwear
• Influence product creation decisions through consumer insights, marketplace trends, and business opportunities
• Partner with Design, Product Creation, Planning, and Marketing to define category strategy and future growth plans
• Analyze performance, trends, competition, margin, lifecycle, and flow to identify opportunities and inform decisions
• Manage seasonal line plans, product tools, and system accuracy across multiple seasons
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment at key milestones and decision points
• Support sample management, showroom execution, and compelling product storytelling through presentations

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form .

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Converse is more than a company; it’s a worldwide advocate for self-expression. This belief motivates our employees, permeates our working environment and inspires our products. No two of us look or think exactly alike. We are each one-of-a-kind. Individually and as a culture, we have the freedom to create and grow professionally. Generous benefits packages only sweeten the experience. From Boston to Shanghai, from Brand Design to Finance, Converse is a brand that celebrates the unique and creative people of the world. Together, we’re different.