Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO)

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Setup: ON-SITE

Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time

Industry: Women’s Apparel (Missy, Missy Plus, Juniors & Kids)

Retail Partners: Ross, TJ Maxx, Burlington, DD’s Discounts, Nordstrom Rack, and other major off-price retailers

Salary: $150,000 – $200,000+ annually (depending on experience)

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO) to lead the overall merchandising strategy and execution for our women’s apparel business. Specializing in the import and export of Missy, Plus, Juniors, and Kids apparel, our company partners with manufacturing teams in China and Vietnam and supplies top off-price retailers across the U.S.

The CMO will be responsible for defining product direction, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring seamless production and delivery within required timelines. The role requires strong leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset, trend forecasting ability, and operational command over the merchandising and production lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandising & Product Strategy

Develop and execute the merchandising strategy across all product categories.
Lead product ideation, seasonal planning, and assortment development.
Assess consumer trends, sales data, and market conditions to optimize product offerings.
Collaborate closely with creative, design, and sales teams to align product direction with business goals.

Retail Account Management

Serve as the lead contact for buyers from Ross, TJ Maxx, Burlington, Nordstrom Rack, and similar retailers.
Present line sheets, negotiate pricing and lead times, and respond to retailer feedback.
Ensure finished goods adhere to retailer specifications and compliance standards.

Vendor & Production Oversight

Establish production timelines, ensuring all products are manufactured and shipped on time.
Monitor production closely to prevent delays, identify potential bottlenecks, and resolve issues proactively.
Oversee stringent quality control and ensure compliance with specific retailer requirements.

Inventory & Forecasting

Develop merchandise forecasting strategies based on sales trends and inventory data.
Oversee inventory planning and management to maintain optimal stock levels.
Implement replenishment strategies and monitor sell-through performance.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead and mentor a high-performing merchandising team.
Work closely with logistics, production, and operations leaders to ensure cohesive execution.
Define KPIs and establish reporting tools to track merchandising and production performance.

Systems & Technology Integration

Use ERP ( AIMS360) , PLM, and other merchandising systems to streamline operations.
Integrate data analytics tools to support decision-making and insights into product performance.
Continuously implement innovative solutions to improve workflow efficiency and visibility.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Fashion, Business Management, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in merchandising within the apparel industry, with 10+ years at a senior leadership level.
Demonstrated success managing production with overseas vendors and ensuring on-time delivery.
Deep experience working with major U.S. off-price retailers and understanding their operational requirements.
Strong knowledge of the apparel supply chain, including import/export regulations, factory timelines, and lead times.
Excellent leadership, strategy development, negotiation, and communication skills.
Proficiency in ERP, PLM, and merchandise planning systems.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization.

Discover Marketing Jobs on the #1 Job Board

✨ Job alerts

✨ Job alerts

Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO)