SITKA Planning & Merchandising Leader

We're seeking a Merchandise & Planning Leader to drive an integrated strategy that combines robust merchandising leadership with data-driven demand planning. This role will be responsible for developing and executing assortment and inventory strategies across wholesale, retail, and ecommerce, ensuring we meet consumer demand, optimize inventory, and deliver on revenue goals.

This position will be located at our facility in Bozeman, Montana, with the possibility of a hybrid/onsite work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs.

• Lead the end-to-end merchandising strategy across all channels (wholesale, retail, and .com), curating compelling assortments that drive brand equity, revenue growth, and channel differentiation
• Own the demand planning function, creating accurate forecasts and inventory strategies that align with seasonal plans, product flow, and revenue targets
• Translate sales trends, consumer insights, and marketplace data into merchandise and buying strategies that maximize profitability and minimize risk
• Partner with product, planning, and purchasing teams to align product lifecycle calendars, inventory levels, and supply chain operations with merchandising intent
• Develop segmentation strategies that define pricing, distribution, and launch cadence to create channel-appropriate value and consumer experiences
• Align closely with inventory and allocation teams to ensure optimal stock availability, healthy sell-through rates, and reduced markdowns across the integrated marketplace
• Maintain deep knowledge of the competitive landscape and evolving consumer behaviors to continuously refine seasonal and long-range merchandising strategies
• Lead and develop a cross-functional team of merchandisers and planners to deliver on both brand and business objectives
• Collaborate with the marketing and digital teams to support product storytelling, launches, and seasonal campaigns with strong merchandising hooks and inventory alignment
  Serve as a key cross-functional partner to leadership, influencing go-to-market strategies through a balanced lens of creativity, consumer focus, and operational discipline.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field
  
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, buying, or category management, ideally within the apparel, footwear, or consumer products industry
  
• Proven experience leading merchandising and demand planning functions, with a strong track record of building integrated, cross-channel strategies
  
• Deep understanding of forecasting methodologies, inventory management, and sales analytics; ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
  
• Strong business acumen with experience managing seasonal product assortments, margin targets, and pricing strategies
  
• Demonstrated success driving results in omnichannel environments, including wholesale, retail, and e-commerce
  
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills - able to align product, marketing, operations, and finance teams toward shared objectives
  
• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience managing, developing, and mentoring teams
  
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills - able to present data-backed strategies to executive stakeholders and partners
  
• Proficiency in planning and merchandising tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, BI tools, Assortment Planning software, Demand Planning platforms)
• Ability to travel 20%
  #LI-MSL #LI-HYBRID

• MBA or advanced degree

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement in the country from which the Associate is employed. Eligibility is dependent on the responsibilities of the role and business needs, and the Associate must agree to comply with Gore's work arrangement policies.