CASA Unlimited Enterprises, Inc.
Director of Merchandising/Buyer
CASA Unlimited Enterprises, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
Director of Merchandising / Buyer
CASA Unlimited Enterprises is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly creative Director of Merchandising / Buyer to lead the full merchandising, buying, and product strategy across all CASA retail locations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This role owns everything from trend analysis, product selection, forecasting, and vendor management to visual merchandising, inventory planning, and brand representation. You will shape the look, feel, and financial performance of multiple store concepts, ensuring each CASA location delivers a strong product identity, a high‑performing assortment, and an exceptional traveler experience. This is a high‑impact leadership position working directly with the President/CEO, VP of Operations, Warehouse Manager, and Airport Managers. If you thrive at the intersection of creativity, analytics, vendor partnerships, and fast‑paced retail strategy — this role is built for you.
Key Responsibilities 1. Merchandising Strategy & Buying
Lead all merchandising and buying operations for CASA retail stores.
Conduct trend research, forecasting, and product development.
Evaluate financial risks and protect organizational interests.
Build and negotiate vendor relationships to secure strong margins.
Use sales data and market insights to forecast demand and optimize stock.
2. Inventory Management & Systems
Oversee SKU setup, item entry, purchase orders, pricing, and POS accuracy.
Manage inventory reviews, aged inventory plans, and category analytics.
Support warehouse operations (receiving, tagging, transfers, markdowns, seasonal resets).
Ensure accurate, timely product data across systems.
Create planograms and product placement standards.
Partner with Operations on signage, visuals, and layout execution.
Oversee seasonal displays, promotions, and new‑product rollouts.
4. Performance & Margin Goals
Drive strategies to meet or exceed margin, sell‑through, and profit goals.
Lead monthly reporting and business reviews.
Manage the annual merchandising and purchasing budget.
5. Industry Engagement & Sourcing
Attend trade shows, vendor events, and product exhibitions.
Lead sourcing across all categories and coordinate vendor review days.
Represent CASA professionally with all internal/external stakeholders.
Support special events, inventories, Super Bowl activities, and tenant functions.
Maintain strong collaboration with Operations, Warehouse, and Airport Management.
Requirements Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree + 5 years retail merchandising experience
OR
High school diploma/GED + 9 years relevant merchandising experience
3+ years of management experience in buying/merchandising required
Airport retail experience strongly preferred
Skills & Abilities
Deep knowledge of merchandising, buying, and trend forecasting
Strong analytical skills and inventory system experience
Excellent vendor negotiation and communication skills
High attention to detail; strong organizational abilities
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently
Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Other Requirements
Must pass criminal background check + FBI fingerprinting
Valid driver’s license and clean MVR
Ability to lift 20+ lbs; occasional warehouse work
Ability to work flexible hours including nights/weekends
Who Thrives in This Role
Creative and trend-forward
Analytical and financially minded
Skilled in vendor negotiation
Strong in visual merchandising
Excited by airport retail
Able to lead projects from concept through execution
Passionate about brand identity and product storytelling
Energized by fast pace and shifting priorities
Why Join CASA? You’ll help shape the merchandise identity of an entire airport retail portfolio, influence revenue across multiple concepts, and introduce innovative products to
millions
of travelers each year.
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Marketing and Sales Industries: Retail #J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities 1. Merchandising Strategy & Buying
Lead all merchandising and buying operations for CASA retail stores.
Conduct trend research, forecasting, and product development.
Evaluate financial risks and protect organizational interests.
Build and negotiate vendor relationships to secure strong margins.
Use sales data and market insights to forecast demand and optimize stock.
2. Inventory Management & Systems
Oversee SKU setup, item entry, purchase orders, pricing, and POS accuracy.
Manage inventory reviews, aged inventory plans, and category analytics.
Support warehouse operations (receiving, tagging, transfers, markdowns, seasonal resets).
Ensure accurate, timely product data across systems.
Create planograms and product placement standards.
Partner with Operations on signage, visuals, and layout execution.
Oversee seasonal displays, promotions, and new‑product rollouts.
4. Performance & Margin Goals
Drive strategies to meet or exceed margin, sell‑through, and profit goals.
Lead monthly reporting and business reviews.
Manage the annual merchandising and purchasing budget.
5. Industry Engagement & Sourcing
Attend trade shows, vendor events, and product exhibitions.
Lead sourcing across all categories and coordinate vendor review days.
Represent CASA professionally with all internal/external stakeholders.
Support special events, inventories, Super Bowl activities, and tenant functions.
Maintain strong collaboration with Operations, Warehouse, and Airport Management.
Requirements Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree + 5 years retail merchandising experience
OR
High school diploma/GED + 9 years relevant merchandising experience
3+ years of management experience in buying/merchandising required
Airport retail experience strongly preferred
Skills & Abilities
Deep knowledge of merchandising, buying, and trend forecasting
Strong analytical skills and inventory system experience
Excellent vendor negotiation and communication skills
High attention to detail; strong organizational abilities
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently
Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Other Requirements
Must pass criminal background check + FBI fingerprinting
Valid driver’s license and clean MVR
Ability to lift 20+ lbs; occasional warehouse work
Ability to work flexible hours including nights/weekends
Who Thrives in This Role
Creative and trend-forward
Analytical and financially minded
Skilled in vendor negotiation
Strong in visual merchandising
Excited by airport retail
Able to lead projects from concept through execution
Passionate about brand identity and product storytelling
Energized by fast pace and shifting priorities
Why Join CASA? You’ll help shape the merchandise identity of an entire airport retail portfolio, influence revenue across multiple concepts, and introduce innovative products to
millions
of travelers each year.
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Marketing and Sales Industries: Retail #J-18808-Ljbffr