Director of Merchandise – Beauty

Nordstrom

Director of Merchandising focused on Beauty at Nordstrom, developing product strategies and managing vendor relationships. Leading teams and fostering collaboration in a high-performing retail environment.

Posted 7/2/2026full-timeSeattle • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop product strategies, sets direction with both immediate and future focus lens, that align with corporate priorities and develops and executes key short- and long-term strategy, inclusive of sourcing of product, liquidity, and vendor mix
Brings a deep point of view on the Beauty landscape—identifying emerging brands, white space opportunities, influencer-driven trends, and new market entries—and leads buying teams to capitalize on these opportunities
Partners with Planning Director to be fiscally responsible while taking calculated risks with mitigation strategies to meet financial KPI’s.
Understands priorities of the business, maintains focus; keeps priorities clear and simple, and clearly articulates strategies and priorities to all levels and audiences
Be a change leader in the division, supporting company initiatives and ensuring adoption by merchandising team
Partners with DMM to set objectives both short and long term and ideates on solutions for current business problems
Reviews assortments generated by teams to ensure alignment with strategy and corresponding category and financial plans as well as E2E key opportunities, and leads area of responsibility supplier relationships
Supports actions needed based on customer response- pushes brands for more access, RTV’s or VFMD’s
Works cross functionally with key partners on priorities and ensures there is alignment with customer and product strategy (Financial planning, Planning, NPG /Private Brand, Retail Director, Allocation, RP, Price, Fashion Office, Marketing)
Operates with strong executive presence, sound judgment, and discretion, representing the division with professionalism internally and externally and develops direct reports and broader team identifying specific leadership opportunities and experiences to grow talent

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 3+ years of experience in management and leadership roles with proven progression
Experience working directly with Beauty brands, vendors, and industry partners across multiple retail channels (department store, specialty, or DTC)
5+ years of Beauty merchandising or buying experience, with demonstrated expertise in prestige, mass, or specialty Beauty (skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, or wellness) required
Ability to build strong relationships with peers and senior leadership
Strong strategic planning abilities and critical thinking skills
Clear and effective written/verbal communication and presentation skills
Strong problem-solving, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical/Vision
Dental
Retirement
Paid Time Away
Life Insurance
Disability
Merchandise Discount
EAP Resources
Performance-based incentives/bonuses

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Beauty BuyingFinancial PlanningProduct Strategy DevelopmentMarket AnalysisAssortment Review

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsCritical ThinkingChange Leadership