Overview
Director of Merchandising & Product Development Jobs in Lynchburg, VA at Moore & Giles
Title: Director of Merchandising & Product Development
Company: Moore & Giles
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Top Requirements:
Must be on-site in Lynchburg, VA (not a remote role).
Leadership experience – must have experience managing a team.
Strong visual merchandising skills – including color storytelling and showroom/tradeshow design.
Product development experience – in leather, textiles, or a similar industry.
Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software – for showroom and tradeshow layouts.
Ability to travel – domestic and international tradeshow support required.
Experience in sales and marketing collaboration – to support product positioning and storytelling.
Strong organizational skills – managing product development timelines and inventory.
Job Overview
We are looking for a Director of Product Development & Merchandising to lead the development, presentation, and merchandising of our leather products. This role requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking to manage product launches, showroom and tradeshow displays, and merchandising initiatives for both our leather assortment (trade) and lifestyle goods (direct-to-consumer).
Key Responsibilities
Trend & Product Development
Identify and integrate design and color trends into new leather product lines.
Maintain strong relationships with tanneries, overseeing product development and feedback.
Merchandising & Visual Storytelling
Develop strategies to highlight key collections and move inventory.
Lead showroom and tradeshow displays to showcase the brand’s story.
Tradeshow & Showroom Management
Use AutoCAD to design product layouts and merchandising plans.
Manage tradeshow setup, logistics, and post-event lead distribution.
Oversee showroom display updates and fixture installations.
Sales & Marketing Collaboration
Support the sales team with client presentations, virtual shows, and product materials.
Work with marketing to create engaging campaigns that enhance product storytelling.
Lifestyle Collection Support
Assist with styling and execution of lifestyle product photoshoots.
Provide AutoCAD support for finished goods development.
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and mentor a small team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews.
Encourage innovation and professional growth within the team.
Competencies
Clear and professional communication (written and verbal).
Ability to manage multiple priorities while staying budget-conscious.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills using data-driven insights.
Creative thinking and adaptability to market trends.
