Category Merchandising 3 - Kids Apparel Sport Product Merchandising Director

Kids Apparel Sport Product Merchandising DirectorThis assignment sits within North America Kids Merchandising and supports coverage for maternity leave during a high impact seasonal window. The role leads Kids Apparel Sport Product Merchandising, partnering closely with Product, Planning, and Marketplace teams. The interim leader will help create the future of Kids Apparel across boys and girls, sport and sportswear, ensuring continuity of vision, line quality, and marketplace execution across multiple seasons.Location and/or time zone and expected work schedule: Portland HQ, M-FAny expected travel: No travelReason for opening: Coverage for Maternity LeaveExpected contract length: October 1, 2026 – March 26, 2027Team details & who they will work with: Work with as a SME with a team of 4, The role is within Kids Apparel Sport Product Merchandising, partnering closely with Product, Planning, and Marketplace teams.Duration: October 1, 2026 – March 26, 2027Portfolio Scope: $700M Kids Apparel | Team Scope: Lead a team of 4What We Are Looking ForWe are seeking G45/G50 merchants who are ready to operate at the Director level and lead a complex, multigender, multisport apparel business during a high-impact seasonal window.The ideal candidate:Has strong merchandising experience, ideally in Apparel and/or Kids, with the ability to lead by Sport, franchise, and classificationDemonstrates confidence leading complex CODE moments, including Line Planning, MAR, and GGPBrings a consumerled mindset with strong financial acumen and marketplace AwarenessCan navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and make clear decisions under time pressureHas demonstrated the ability to act as a peer leader and collaborator, motivating and stabilizing a team during transitionCommunicates clearly with senior leaders across Geo, Global, Product, Planning, and MarketplaceWhat You Will GainThis role provides a rare opportunity to step fully into Director level ownership within NA Kids Merchandising.Through this stretch, you will gain:Driving a clear strategy of a $700M Kids Apparel portfolio across multiple seasonsHands on leadership of MAR, GGP, and GTM for FA'27, HO'27, and SP'28Direct experience leading a team of 4 through critical seasonal momentsIncreased exposure to Geo and Global senior leadership across Merchandising, Product, and MarketplaceDeepened capability in long range line planning, including early influence on FA/HO'28 and SP/SU'29Demonstrated readiness for future Director-level rolesCore ResponsibilitiesLead NA Kids Apparel Sport Product Merchandising strategy grounded in consumer insight, financial health, and marketplace realitiesOwn seasonal execution across Line Planning, MAR, GGP, Seasonal Handover, and GTMMonitor franchise and classification health and lead product lifecycle discussionsRepresent Kids Apparel Sport within Geo Consumer Merchandising and Geo Sport LTInspire, guide, and develop a team of 4 through clear direction, prioritization, and decision-makingSeasonal Scope and Key Moments Primary Seasons (pre MAR through GGP/GTM FA'27 – SP'28):