Director of Merchandising Capabilities

• Lead the design and implementation of an end-to-end merchandising capabilities roadmap that supports our global strategy
• Translate long-term merchandising goals into actionable initiatives across pricing, promotion and assortment optimization (Data-Driven Merchandising)
• Champion the use of analytics and insights to drive fact-based decision-making across the merchandising lifecycle
• Own and manage the relationship with third-party / syndicated data vendors on behalf of Circle K
• Lead and mentor a high-performing Merchandising Capabilities team
• provide clear goals, coaching, and development opportunities
• Collaborate with Global Merchandising, D&A, Global Tech, Finance, and Business Units to design and deploy advanced analytics, tools, and insights that drive commercial value
• Oversee the delivery of complex projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment and measurable impact
• Develop and implement governance frameworks for merchandising processes and tools, ensuring scalability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Proactively identify gaps in current processes or capabilities and drive initiatives to close them
• Build scenario planning and forecasting capabilities that inform future-state merchandising and sustainability efforts
• Lead post-implementation measurement of merchandising initiatives, establishing KPIs and performance tracking
• Deliver regular reporting and strategic updates to senior leaders including EVP and SVP’s of Merchandising and Operations
• Own the annual budget planning process for Merchandising Capabilities, including benefits forecast and resource planning

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Analytics, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in retail merchandising, category strategy, analytics, or business leadership roles
• 3+ years leading teams with proven success in mentoring, performance management, and capability building
• Demonstrated experience in the design and deployment of pricing, promotional and / or assortment, optimization solutions
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical mindset
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels, build relationships, and align cross-functional stakeholders
• Familiarity with core merchandising systems, data platforms, and analytics tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• executive presence a must
• Travel up to 30% (some international)
• must hold valid travel documents
• Flexibility to work across time zones, reflecting the global nature of the role

MBA or advanced degree preferred