Senior Merchandising Manager - Apparel

ABOUT THE POSITION  

Columbia Sportswear is seeking a strategic and consumer-obsessed Senior Merchandising Manager to lead the creation, planning, and execution of product strategies across multiple channels and price tiers. This role is responsible for delivering compelling, consumer-right assortments that drive profitable growth while elevating the brand experience at retail. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of marketplace segmentation, assortment optimization, and cross-functional leadership, and thrives in an environment that demands both creative vision and analytical rigor. This role will partner closely with design, product management, sales, and marketing to ensure product stories connect with consumers and deliver results. 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE  

Marketplace Segmentation & Channel Strategy 

• Develop and execute marketplace segmentation strategies that balance consumer needs and channel differentiation. 

• Create distribution strategies for wholesale, retail, and digital partners to optimize reach and profitability. 

Assortment Planning & Optimization 

• Build consumer-right product assortments that reduce complexity while increasing productivity and sell-through. 

• Identify and grow core franchises while introducing innovation and new categories to expand market share. 

• Establish clear product lifecycle strategies to ensure healthy flow of product introductions and exits. 

Consumer Insight–Led Storytelling 

• Leverage consumer insights and marketplace trends to inform seasonal product stories. 

• Drive a cohesive storytelling approach across product, marketing, and in-store execution to elevate brand perception. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Partner with design, product creation, sales, and marketing to deliver product strategies that meet margin, revenue, and unit goals. 

• Lead go-to-market readiness by ensuring internal teams and external partners understand seasonal priorities and key initiatives. 

Business Management & Results Delivery 

• Drive top-line revenue growth and margin improvement through disciplined merchandising and SKU productivity management. 

• Monitor business performance weekly and adapt strategies in-season to optimize results. 

Team & Talent Development 

• Lead, coach, and inspire team members to bring consumer-led strategies to life. 

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven team culture.

YOU ARE  

• A strategic problem solver who anticipates and resolves situations with a solutions-oriented approach.

• A regional marketplace expert, with a strong understanding of the U.S. Apparel marketplace relating to product merchandising, and DTC and wholesale channels.

• Effective at working collaboratively with global and regional teams, internal and external stakeholders, and influencing senior leadership.

• A strong communicator, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.

YOU HAVE  

• Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.

• 10+ years of merchandising, product creation, or related experience in apparel, footwear, or consumer goods.