Director, Merchandising Strategy

About AthletaFor the past 25 years, we’ve committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls. Inspiration. Collaboration. Connection. Inclusivity. It’s what we do best, and we’re on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences. We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp. Ready to make a move? Join us. Because we know that alone we’re strong, but together we’re unstoppable.About the roleThe 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 areclear, actionable, and aligned to brand and business priorities.• Translate strategic ideas into practical plans and recommendations that influencekey business decisions, including pricing, assortment architecture, productivity,and growth opportunities.• Support Athleta’s innovation agenda by leveraging customer insights, markettrends, and competitive intelligence to help shape product strategies and go-to-market plans.• Identify pricing, productivity, and assortment opportunities that support bothbrand relevance and profitability.• Develop strategic presentations and narratives that clearly communicatebusiness opportunities, recommendations, and progress against goals to seniorleadership.• Analyze business issues and use strategic, analytical, and financial frameworksto evaluate options and inform decision-making.• Partner cross-functionally to support and improve innovation pipeline processesand ways of working.•Contribute to broader business planning efforts and special projects, includingAOP support, leadership team meetings, and transformation initiatives.Who you are•8+ years of experience in strategy, merchandising strategy, managementconsulting, corporate strategy, or a related field, with strong knowledge ofapparel, retail, customer, and digital.• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to structureambiguous questions and generate insights through data and analysis.• Experience translating consumer, market, and business insights into strategicrecommendations.• Strong collaboration and influence skills; able to work effectively across functionsand 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 upyour sleeves and drive execution.• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, influence stakeholders, and contribute to ahigh-performing team environment.• Experience in apparel, retail, or consumer-focused industries.• Familiarity with category strategy, innovation planning, pricing, and go-to-marketstrategy.• Experience working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to drivestrategic initiatives.• Passion for the Athleta brand, customer, and growth journey.Salary Range: $158,500.00 - $206,000.00Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.Benefits at AthletaMerchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*Employee stock purchase plan.*Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*See more of the benefits we offer.*For eligible employees