Director of Merchandising - Rio Grande : Job Details

• Create and maintain a product roadmap aligned with the company's strategic goals and drive the product development lifecycle from concept through production deployment and product commercialization.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy and communicate the vision to the Executive Team; share priorities with the Supply Chain and linked teams.
• Direct, track, and report product performance throughout its lifecycle; forecast demand with supply chain and inventory planning and manage stock levels.
• Collaborate with manufacturing or vendors to bring products to market from concept to final sample approval, maintaining craftsmanship standards and timely completion; make product allocation decisions considering cost, capacity, lead times, manufacturing feasibility, quality standards, and brand aesthetics.
• Own 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 with opportunities for redesigns, discontinuations, or enhancements.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of customer and market needs (VOC), and use customer feedback and data insights to inform product decisions and improve offerings.
• Use customer feedback and data insights to inform product decisions and improve offerings.
• Develop business cases to support new product recommendations and provide relevant product information to support sales; assist with training of sales, customer service and marketing teams.
• Create the strategy around merchandising products for all aspects of marketing including ecommerce platforms, promotions, advertising, training materials and product collateral; partner with marketing and sales teams to ensure successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Identify new markets, partnerships, and revenue streams to expand the company's reach; assess viability and report 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 to design an acceptable profit and margin to meet business objectives.
• Direct training for new and existing products that includes talking points, pricing matrix, competitor information and marketing materials.

• 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 quarterly competitive market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Achieve growth targets in revenue, market share and partnerships.
• Develop strategies to achieve margin targets.
• Track percentage of new business opportunities provided to the Executive Director Team.
• Provide relevant counsel to linked teams on business opportunities and objectives.
• Foster positive team feedback, retention, and performance in cross-functional collaboration.

• 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

$110k–$120k annual salary

• 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 account
• On-site gym and company wellness program
• Employee discounts at Rio Grande
• Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
• Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits

Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R's, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.

• Director

• Full-time

• Marketing and Sales

• Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

The Company: Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R's, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.