About Designer Brands
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe
Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across
North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the
footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo
Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix
No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and
sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a
robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At
Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration,
innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective
contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,”
“We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously
drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot
forward.
Director, Merchandising & Store Technology
The Opportunity
At Designer Brands, technology plays a critical role in how we connect products,
stores, and customers across our retail banners in the U.S. and Canada. As
Director, Merchandising & Store Technology, you'll lead the strategy, delivery,
and ongoing performance of the technology solutions that support merchandising,
planning, allocation, inventory management, and store operations.
Partnering closely with business and technology leaders, you'll shape technology
roadmaps, drive innovation, and ensure teams have the systems and data needed to
achieve business objectives. This is an opportunity to lead high-performing
teams and influence the technology solutions that support hundreds of stores and
the customers they serve every day.
Reports to: Sr. Director, Retail Systems
Direct Reports: 5
Location: Remote
What You'll Be Doing
Technology Strategy & Roadmap
Direct the development and execution of the technology strategy for retail
merchandising systems, including assortment planning, merchandising,
planning, and allocation.
Lead the strategy for store technology platforms, including point-of-sale,
inventory management, and store hardware solutions.
Partner with business and technology leaders to align technology roadmaps
with organizational priorities and business objectives.
Ensure technology projects, system enhancements, and business initiatives
deliver measurable business value.
Solution Delivery & Operations
Own the roadmap and lifecycle management for point-of-sale platforms,
in-store inventory management systems, and store hardware.
Oversee the roadmap and delivery of merchandising, planning, and allocation
systems, ensuring teams have access to reliable, accurate, and actionable
data.
Ensure the reliability, security, and PCI compliance of store-facing
technology solutions across the retail fleet.
Partner with Store Operations and Loss Prevention to manage the store
hardware lifecycle, including refresh planning, vendor management, and field
support.
Leadership & Innovation
Lead and develop teams delivering technology solutions that support
Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, and Store Operations.
Champion innovation in merchandising and store technology by understanding
business needs, monitoring industry trends, and partnering with vendors and
peers.
Build strong partnerships with senior leaders to identify opportunities and
deliver technology solutions that support business goals.
Develop team capabilities to meet evolving business needs and emerging
technologies.
Governance, Security & Compliance
Oversee the development and implementation of technology standards, policies,
and procedures, including architecture, security, disaster recovery,
purchasing, and systems documentation.
Lead PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits, including PCI DSS
requirements for point-of-sale environments.
Ensure technology investments support long-term business objectives while
maintaining strong governance and risk management practices.
What You'll Need
Experience
10+ years of progressively responsible technology management experience
supporting retail merchandising systems and/or store technology applications,
including point-of-sale and inventory management solutions.
Experience leading large-scale technology portfolios, modernization
initiatives, vendor relationships, and budget oversight.
Retail & Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of retail merchandising processes and supporting technologies,
including assortment planning, merchandise planning, allocation, inventory
management, and point-of-sale solutions.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technology strategies, roadmaps,
and investment plans that align with business objectives and deliver
measurable results.
Strong understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, risk
management, compliance, disaster recovery, and architecture principles.
Direct experience leading PCI, SOX, and FTC compliance activities and audits,
including PCI DSS compliance for point-of-sale environments.
Leadership Capabilities
Proven experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process transformation,
and technology adoption initiatives.
Ability to influence senior leaders, build strong partnerships, and align
stakeholders around strategic priorities.
Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate trade-offs and translate
complex business needs into scalable technology solutions.
Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making
skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced
environment.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related
discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
15+ years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience in
retail merchandising and store technology environments.
Direct experience supporting point-of-sale, merchandise planning, and
allocation platforms.
Experience leading teams of 10+ associates.
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in
mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust
family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings
at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi [https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi].
Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities,
giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever
you do your best work.
Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional
development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company
that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your
day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com [https://www.dsw.com/], plus
discounts across our family of brands.