Position Overview
Waggle is seeking a visionary, detail-driven and highly collaborative Director of Merchandising to lead product development and merchandising strategy across our growing brand. Reporting to the VP of Brand, this role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end product lifecycle—from concept and seasonal line planning to fabric sourcing, vendor communication, market launch and eventual withdrawal.
This individual will own the product vision and collaborate cross-functionally with Creative, Marketing, Retail, Sales & Operations to ensure merchandise strategy reflects evolving customer needs, fashion trends, brand identity and company goals. The ideal candidate blends strong creative instinct with operational excellence and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Line Planning
- Define and execute seasonal product line plans across all categories, aligning with company goals and consumer insights
- Conduct trend research, competitive benchmarking and consumer analysis to identify market gaps and opportunities
- Lead product lifecycle planning, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met across design, development and production calendars
Product Design & Development
Lead a growing team of product designers from initial concept through final design executionOversee tech pack development, prototyping and approvals to ensure accuracy, innovation and consistencyGuide material and trim selection, silhouette development and construction details in partnership with internal and external collaboratorsShare product insights with Creative Director, ensuring apparel graphics and colorways uphold brand identity and meet market trends / needsEnsure all product aligns with Waggle’s brand identity, fit standards and quality expectationsFabric Sourcing & Vendor Management
Identify, evaluate and manage global sourcing partners and fabric mills to support quality, cost and delivery goalsServe as a key liaison with production and manufacturing partners to maintain timelines and resolve development issuesNegotiate terms, pricing and lead times while maintaining quality control across vendorsCross-functional Leadership & Collaboration
Work cross-functionally with Retail Operations team to ensure in-store product presentation reflects seasonal direction and supports sales objectivesProvide recommendations to creative and marketing teams for how products should be styled and presented in photography, catalog, digital content and additional campaignsCollaborate with marketing team to provide product insight and merchandising support for seasonal campaigns and product launchesSupport Waggle sponsored events as neededOther duties as assignedTeam Building & Leadership
Recruit, develop and lead a high-performing merchandising and product design teamFoster a culture of collaboration, curiosity and creativity while holding high standards for execution and product excellenceOwn team processes, creative briefs, timelines and resource planning as the team scalesRequired Qualifications
6-8 years of experience in merchandising, product design or product development in apparel or consumer lifestyle brandsProven success in leading product creation from concept through production with strong results in both creativity and process executionExperience building and mentoring design teams, and leading cross-functional collaboration with sourcing and production partnersExpertise in interpreting trends, customer data and market research into successful product assortmentsStrong organizational and leadership skills; ability to manage multiple product timelines simultaneouslyPassion for brand storytelling, customer experience and community-driven product developmentPreferred Qualifications
Experience in a hybrid direct-to-consumer and retail environment, with understanding of both merchandising and in-store product presentation strategyAdvanced understanding of design development, tech packs, fit processes and material sourcingEfficient in Adobe Cloud software, Onbrand PLM system or similar and CAD / digital sketch creationExperience working with creative and retail operations teams to align visual and functional product executionBackground in sports, golf or performance / lifestyle apparelBenefits
Flexible hybrid work environment (3 days in office required)Simple IRA and / or ROTH with company matchHealth Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA)Employer-Sponsored Life / AD&D InsurancePaid Time OffApparel & Gifting AllowanceCompensation : $120,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience
Please note : This position is based in our current office in Roseville, MN. However, we will be relocating to our new headquarters in Blaine, MN this fall. Candidates should be comfortable commuting to Blaine once the transition is complete.
