Athleta Director, Merchandising Strategy

About the role The Director, Merchandising Strategy at Athleta reports to the Head of Merchandising. In this role, you will help shape and drive long‑range product and category strategies, identify growth and innovation opportunities, and support the development of seasonal strategies and execution plans that advance Athleta’s long‑term goals. This is a highly collaborative and visible role that partners closely with leaders across the Athleta Product organization, as well as cross‑functional teams such as Brand strategy, Customer Insights, Design, Inventory Management, Marketing, and Finance. Success in this role requires strong strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and the ability to connect insights across data, customer trends, and business priorities. You will need to balance big‑picture thinking with hands‑on execution, while influencing cross‑functional partners and helping drive strategic initiatives from concept through action. What you’ll do Partner with leaders to develop annual and seasonal category strategies that are clear, actionable, and aligned to brand and business priorities. Translate strategic ideas into practical plans and recommendations that influence key business decisions, including pricing, assortment architecture, productivity, and growth opportunities. Support Athleta’s innovation agenda by leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence to help shape product strategies and go‑to‑market plans. Identify pricing, productivity, and assortment opportunities that support both brand relevance and profitability. Develop strategic presentations and narratives that clearly communicate business opportunities, recommendations, and progress against goals to senior leadership. Analyze business issues and use strategic, analytical, and financial frameworks to evaluate options and inform decision‑making. Partner cross‑functionally to support and improve innovation pipeline processes and ways of working. Contribute to broader business planning efforts and special projects, including AOP support, leadership team meetings, and transformation initiatives. Who you are 8+ years of experience in strategy, merchandising strategy, management consulting, corporate strategy, or a related field, with strong knowledge of apparel, retail, customer, and digital. Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous questions and generate insights through data and analysis. Experience translating consumer, market, and business insights into strategic recommendations. Strong collaboration and influence skills; able to work effectively across functions and levels in a matrixed organization. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tell clear, compelling stories grounded in data. Comfortable working both strategically and tactically, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and drive execution. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, influence stakeholders, and contribute to a high‑performing team environment. Experience in apparel, retail, or consumer‑focused industries. Familiarity with category strategy, innovation planning, pricing, and go‑to‑market strategy. Experience working with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams to drive strategic initiatives. Passion for the Athleta brand, customer, and growth journey. Salary Range $158,500.00 – $206,000.00. Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skills, and work location with minimum wage or salary range depending on local requirements. Benefits at Athleta Merchandise discount: 50% off regular‑priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees. Competitive Paid Time Off plans. Up to five “on‑the‑clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of choice. Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4% of base pay. Employee stock purchase plan. Medical, dental, vision and life insurance. See more of the benefits we offer. Equal Employment Opportunity Gap Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long‑held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr Athleta