Director, Corporate Strategy- REMOTE

About Designer Brands  

 

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward. 

 

The Opportunity

 

At Designer Brands, we’re not just shaping the future of fashion—we’re shaping the future of how people experience it. As our Director of Corporate Strategy, you’ll be at the heart of that transformation. This isn’t just a strategic role—it’s a chance to influence the direction of a beloved brand, drive innovation, and help us grow in ways that matter.

You’ll be a trusted advisor to our executive team, leading high-impact initiatives that blend data-driven insights with bold thinking. If you thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating across teams, and turning strategy into action, this is your moment. 

 

What You’ll Be Doing

 

As a strategic leader, you’ll guide the business through transformation and growth by:

 

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Designing and executing enterprise-wide strategic initiatives aligned with our most critical priorities.
• Partnering with executive leadership to shape and refine our strategic roadmap.
• Acting as an internal consultant to drive meaningful business outcomes.

Initiative & Portfolio Management

• Facilitating strategic planning and initiative reviews to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Prioritizing and sequencing initiatives for maximum impact across the organization.
• Maintaining a dynamic pipeline of strategic opportunities in collaboration with business unit leaders.

Analysis & Business Case Development

• Creating frameworks for evaluating opportunities, including financial modeling, risk assessment, and scenario planning.
• Partnering with Finance to build robust business cases for M&A, partnerships, and new ventures.
• Conducting market research and competitive benchmarking to inform strategic decisions.

Execution & Change Enablement

• Driving organizational agility by challenging conventional strategies and embedding sustainable solutions.
• Identifying and resolving strategic risks through structured issue management.
• Enhancing visibility into performance, risks, and opportunities through tools and processes that foster accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Leading strategic communications to ensure alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Supporting investor relations through earnings call prep, industry benchmarking, and investor messaging.

What You’ll Need

 

We’re looking for a strategic thinker who’s ready to lead with purpose and clarity. Here’s what sets you up for success:

 

Skills & Experience

• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities—able to turn data into action.
• Deep financial acumen, including modeling and interpreting financial statements.
• Ability to simplify complex ideas for diverse audiences, from executives to cross-functional teams.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional environments, with a knack for building trust and alignment.