Head of Merchandising

Summary:

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Head of Merchandising to join our Innovation team in Reston, VA.  (Due to COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until we make return to work decisions). 

As the most trusted wildlife conservation nonprofit, the National Wildlife Federation has been protecting America’s wildlife for more than eighty years.  You will leverage our brand to drive the merchandising strategy that reinforces our conservation marketing niche and will maximize profit for both catalog and internet sales in support of millions in annual revenue. 

In this role you will:

• Be primarily responsible for new product sourcing and current product line management including promotional activity, vendor relations, pricing (including maintenance of profit margins), and competitive analysis.
• Seek new opportunities/venues to find new products and expand existing categories consistent with our mission and target customers.
• Take the lead role for the creative elements of our catalog, including, identifying and developing new items/trends, artwork, and categories that will drive profitable revenue.
• Write and proof copy for catalog products, mission copy and provide photo images for catalog use.
• Lead the development of the consumer and corporate holiday card lines with our catalog partner.
• Partner with External and Internal Creative Teams to develop powerful product offers and selling proposition across all channels (catalog, website, digital marketing).
• Determine pricing and forecast for opening order quantities.
• Be accountable for product performance; key metrics including initial gross margin, final net margin, product pricing and mark down strategies.
• Maintain vendor management and negotiate buying prices and delivery deadlines to maximize profits and surpass overall margin goals. Oversee proper communication and implementation to external purchasing company.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, marketing, sourcing or relevant areas.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in buying and catalog product development.
• Knowledge of eCommerce for a direct to consumer brand.
• Comprehensive understanding of retail math.
• Must possess strong analytical, communication skills and must have the ability to multi-task.
• Must be able to demonstrate sound negotiating and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Can foresee potential issues or setbacks and proactively develop contingencies.
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Enthusiasm for conservation issues.

Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.

There will be some travel in this role, approx, 3 – 4 times a year to attend trade shows.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The National Wildlife Federation offers excellent benefits, including 16 weeks of paid FMLA leave, competitive compensation, and a family-friendly, flexible work environment.

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world. We recruit, employ, train compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at nwf.org/equity.

If you have a disability and require an accommodation or assistance with our online application process, please tell us how we can help by calling us at 703-438-6244.

If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications of this description, we support your application. If selected, a background check will be conducted.

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

www.nwf.org