Lead Channel Merchandiser

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Lead Channel Merchandiser is responsible for driving account-specific merchandising execution across key wholesale partners, translating channel strategy into actionable assortments, insights, and go-to-market plans. This role partners closely with Account Sales, Planning, and Marketing to deliver consumer-right assortments, compelling in-market storytelling, and profitable growth at the account level.

Serving as the primary merchandising lead for assigned accounts and channels, the Lead Channel Merchandiser owns sell-in readiness, performance insights, and seasonal execution. This role ensures alignment with broader channel strategies established by Channel Merchandising leadership while delivering tailored, account-level success.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Translate channel strategy into account-specific assortments, leveraging sell-through data, bookings, and market insights
• Analyze product performance and consumer behavior to inform future line plans, assortment strategies, and profitable growth
• Build consumer-right assortments that balance brand storytelling, innovation, pricing, and retail constraints
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Planning, and Marketing to deliver integrated account strategies and seasonal plans
• Lead sales meeting execution, including content development and compelling product storytelling
• Drive in-season and post-season insights, identifying risks, opportunities, and actionable strategies
• Establish and align assortment architecture, pricing strategies, and SKU productivity across accounts
• Own and manage SMU (Special Make-Up) processes end-to-end, ensuring brand alignment and financial success
• Identify and execute opportunities to increase volume, visibility, and cross-channel growth
• Monitor and drive account performance across revenue, margin, forecasting, and SKU productivity

YOU ARE 

• A strong merchant who connects product, consumer, and account needs into clear assortment strategies
• Commercially driven with strong analytical and financial acumen
• A collaborative partner who thrives in cross-functional environments
• Skilled at influencing through insights, data, and storytelling
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously

YOU HAVE 

• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, planning, buying, wholesale, or account-facing roles
• Strong expertise in assortment planning, sell-through analysis, and retail dynamics
• Experience working with wholesale partners and sales teams
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategies
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and compelling presentations
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to travel up to 20%
   

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This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to [email protected] with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.