Job Description

Support Center - Irving

The Director - Private Brands drives product development and sourcing for the assigned divisions/departments. They are closely aligned strategically and collaboratively with the Divisional Merchandise Managers (DMMs) and Buyers to achieve company financial targets through executing product development and sourcing initiatives and efforts. Enabling an effective and efficient Private Brands team through adequately leveraging internal and external resources. The primary goal of this role is to enhance Michaels’ product advantage and profitability.

Major Activities

• Lead and manage the process of product development for a line of categories – driving innovation, ideation & uniqueness.   
• Assist the merchant leadership by recommending and implementing strategies and programs that align with the company’s long-term vision and drive category performance.
• Direct, plan, approve, and execute Private Brands programs across assigned categories.
• Ensure translation of trends for assigned lines of categories.
• Gain alignment with the DMM and Buyers to drive merchandising strategy from product development, supplier management, and cost negotiation perspective,
• Work closely with Trend and the Buyers to actively understand the market and consumer insights and drive freshness and uniqueness into the product offering.
• Manage the ongoing maintenance of existing products, including implementing quality improvements, changing packaging, altering design, appearance, or origin, and updating status under the direction of the Buyer.
• Work with the Packaging Team to ensure packaging is refreshed, appropriate, and adequate.
• Own the final approval of packaging production files. DPD and Product Manager work with DMM and Buyers on packaging segmentation. Activity is led by the Director - Private Brands.
• Ensure supply through effective supplier matrix and COO management.
• Deliver the best product cost.
• Partner with the QA department to support all processes, build quality into products, and support long-term growth.
• Enable customer quality experience through collaboration with Product Integrity.
• Ensure responsible and compliant sourcing practices and supply channels.
• Effectively use Private Brands tools (e.g., development calendar, savings tracker, COO tracker, etc.) for the organization.
• Communicate in a consistent and timely manner with the manager, team, and cross-functional partners on topics as appropriate.
• Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness for the team. Provide support and troubleshoot issues when required.
• Understand assigned categories, including Michaels sales and competitive landscape.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for Private Brands products to all members of the Private Brands team.
• Monitor Private Brands' product performance based on sales, margin, and sell-through.

Leadership Duties

• Build strong partnerships for self and team with Private Brands (onshore/offshore), Design, Product Integrity, Merchant, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Inventory Management partners.
• Strengthen relationships with vendors and 3rd party service providers.
• Lead the team with strategic agility and tactical oversight and guidance.
• Build and develop talent with the team while supporting an environment that promotes professional development.
• Clearly communicate expectations to ensure the team has the tools needed to deliver successful results.
• Drive succession planning and talent development at all levels of the product development organization.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience

Minimum Type of Experience the Job Requires

• Minimum 10 years of experience with a major retailer, Brands, or product/Brands development company with experience and a successful track record of merchandising, brands management, product development, and sourcing
• Team leadership/people management experience

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Preferred Education

• MBA or Master’s degree (preferred)

Preferred Special Certifications or Technical Skills

• Business related major is highly preferred

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

For 50 years, Michaels has been the best place for all things creative. We strive to inspire our customers, cultivate confident leaders, and serve our communities by fostering an inclusive environment for everyone to learn, shop, and create. At Michaels, everyone has a seat at our craft table and every Team Member is encouraged to hone their craft with opportunities for personal and professional growth. From our Stores and Distribution Centers to Artistree and our Support Center, our best-in-class team is committed to delivering on our purpose to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,290 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace.

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all Makers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).

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