Divisional Merchandise Manager
Company: Akira
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 19, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Divisional Merchandise Manager
Location: Chicago, IL (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time About AKIRA
AKIRA is a fast-growing women's fashion brand with 30 retail stores
nationwide and a thriving eCommerce business. Our brand is bold,
our pace is fast, and our people are everything. We believe in
ownership, accountability, and delivering standout customer
service. The Role The Divisional Merchandise Manager is responsible
for developing and executing merchandise strategies along with
growing the overall sales volume and profit of the
apparel/accessories division. This role partners closely with
Buying, Design, Product Development, and key stakeholders to ensure
assortments align with customer demand, brand vision, and financial
goals. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute merchandise
strategies aligned with customer needs, sales objectives, and
overall brand direction Drive growth across all categories by
setting strategic goals and performance targets Train, mentor, and
coach team members in a fast-paced environment Partner with Design
and Product Development to ensure pricing, margins, and cost
structures meet business requirements Inspire fashion and style
through compelling product storytelling and presentation Facilitate
production planning across sourcing partners and vendors
Understand, manage, and oversee Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning Support
brick-and-mortar and eCommerce teams with marketing and promotional
strategies for exclusive drops, launches, and new product
introductions Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Fashion,
Business, or a related field 4 years of experience in a Merchant or
Merchant Manager role Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a
fast-paced environment Strong understanding of fashion trends, fit,
and overall aesthetic Strategic thinker with strong planning and
timeline management skills Ability and willingness to travel as
needed The Ideal Candidate is Highly motivated with an exceptional
work ethic and ability to meet tight deadlines An excellent written
and verbal communicator Extremely organized with strong attention
to detail and follow-through Comfortable multitasking and
prioritizing in a dynamic, fast-moving environment A collaborative,
responsive, and team-oriented leader Benefits and Perks AKIRA
offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including
Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD,
FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a
generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth,
providing meaningful development and career advancement
opportunities.
Keywords: Akira, Janesville , Divisional Merchandise Manager, Retail - All , Chicago, Wisconsin
