Director of Merchandising

Rio Grande is looking for a director of merchandising to oversee the lifecycle of jewelry products, from ideation and design through production, launch, and ongoing optimization. The successful candidate will drive market requirements for their specific area of the business; be the SME interface to clients, sales, marketing and operational teams to identify business requirements and partnerships; and work cross-functionally with manufacturing, merchandising, marketing, sourcing, and sales teams to deliver products that meet both customer expectations and business goals.

This position could be remote, based in our NYC office, and having experience with remote management of direct reports is preferred. Candidates should be able to travel up to 50% of the time, with regular travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, corporate offices. Must work in office regular M-F hours.

Primary Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in related field or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in product development within the fine jewelry industry (bridal is preferred).
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle and go-to-market strategies.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept to production successfully, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, impeccable attention to detail, excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of jewelry design, gemology, materials, and manufacturing processes - including CAD design software, Excel and other relevant tools used in product development. Familiarity with jewelry manufacturing processes and materials a plus.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis, pricing strategies, and market trends in fine jewelry.
• Experience collaborating with external partners, including negotiating priorities, aligning roadmaps, and driving successful outcomes that drive revenue
• Adept at working in agile methodologies, partnering with manufacturing or third parties to facilitate fast turn development.
• Proven record using data to drive decision making and impact measurement

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a product roadmap that aligns with the company's strategic goals. Drive product development life cycle from concept, design, testing, and production deployment, and product commercialization.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy Responsible for providing a vision of where the company could be from a product and industry perspective to the Executive Team. Once the Executive Team sets the vision, share and articulate the vision, direction, priorities and expectations to the Supply Chain and linked teams.
• Direct, track and report product performance throughout its lifecycle. Work with supply chain and inventory planning to forecast demand, track product performance, and assist in managing stock levels.
• Work with manufacturing or vendors to bring products to market from concept to final sample approval, maintaining craftsmanship standards and timely completion; and make product allocation selections considering cost, capacity, lead times, manufacturing feasibility, quality standards, and brand aesthetics.
• Responsible for conception through end-of-life ownership for a specific product, product group or product line including product management, product development and business development. Manage existing product lines, identifying opportunities for redesigns, discontinuations, or enhancements.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of customer and market needs (VOC).
  • Use customer feedback and data insights to inform product decisions and improve offerings.
  • Develop business cases to support new product recommendations.
• Provide relevant product information and expertise to support sales effort. Assist with the training of sales, customer service and marketing teams.
• Create the strategy around merchandising products for all aspects of marketing including ecommerce platforms including promotions, advertising, training materials and product collateral. Partner with marketing and sales teams to ensure successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Recognizing new markets, partnerships, and revenue streams to expand the company's reach. Responsible for exploring and assessing new markets and other business opportunities for viability and reporting to the Executive Team.
• Direct the development of product pricing matrix to ensure products are market priced and create the margin needed. Collaborate with the Executive Team and design an acceptable profit & margin to ensure we meet the business objectives.
• Direct training for new and existing products that includes: talking points, pricing matrix, competitor information and marketing materials.Set various types of gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and others into metal jewelry pieces.
• Use specialized tools like prongs, bezels, or channels to securely position and attach stones.
• Choose the appropriate setting method based on the type of gemstone and the jewelry design (e.g., prong setting, bezel setting, pave setting, channel setting).

Goals:

• Provide a documented monthly update to the Executive Team on identifying and evaluating business opportunities.
• Create a business strategy aligned with the Executive Director's long-term objectives annually.
• Produce a competitive market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement quarterly.
• Achievement of business growth targets in revenue, market share and partnerships.
• Develop strategies to achieve margin % targets.
• % of new business opportunities provided to the Executive Director Team.
• Provide relevant counsel to linked teams on business opportunities and objectives.
• Positive team feedback, retention, and performance in cross functional collaboration.

Compensation: $110,000 to $120,000 annual salary.

Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes:

• Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
• Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Flexible spending