Athleta is hiring: Head of Visual Merchandising & Retail Branding in San Francis

For the past 25 years, we've committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls. It's what we do best, and we're on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences. The Head of Merchandising for Athleta leads the brand's merchandising organization, driving strategic product vision, commercial performance, and customer engagement across all channels. This role is pivotal in delivering on Athleta's purpose of inspiring women and girls to build confidence, strength, and belonging through movement. Reporting directly to the Athleta Brand President & CEO, the Head of Merchandising is a key member of the Athleta Leadership Team and oversees assortment strategy, category management, and visual presentation. This leader drives product innovation, price and value leadership, and alignment across design, marketing, and inventory planning to deliver profitable growth and a differentiated brand experience. The Head of Merchandising builds and inspires a high-performing team that operates with agility, accountability, and creativity. By fostering a culture grounded in inclusion, empowerment, and innovation, this leader ensures Athleta delivers compelling, purpose-driven product assortments that unite performance, style, and sustainability. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements. Lead and evolve Athleta's merchandising strategy to deliver innovation, brand distinction, and commercial success. Develop and execute a multi-year product and merchandising roadmap that accelerates growth and differentiation in alignment to brand goals. Leverage customer, trend, and market insights to inform long-range product and merchandising strategies, balancing performance, lifestyle, and seasonal relevance. Lead with modern aesthetic intelligence to shape Athleta's product expression and define an elevated, authoritative point of view that strengthens market distinction and inspires the customer. Partner with Design, Digital, Marketing, and Stores to deliver cohesive product stories and omni-channel experiences, championing innovation in fabric, fit, and unique solutioning for women. Provide clear cross-functional leadership and direction to ensure that smart product risks are being taken to drive the brand forward, connecting these decisions to the customer journey across channels. Drive a high-performance culture that celebrates inclusivity, accountability, and motivates and inspire teams to deliver beyond expected results. Champion continuous improvement and innovation, leveraging technology, insights, and best practices to optimize performance. Build and sustain a strong, diverse, and inspired merchandising organization through intentional leadership, mentorship, and succession planning. 15+ years of progressive merchandising and product leadership experience in multi-channel retail environments. ~ Proven success driving growth through customer-centered product and assortment strategies. ~ Strong analytical and creative acumen with deep understanding of consumer insights, trends, and financial metrics. ~ Demonstrated success leading transformation and scaling complex product organizations. ~ Ability to connect brand purpose with commercial strategy and execution. ~ Experience developing diverse, high-performing teams through coaching, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. ~ Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees. Employee stock purchase plan.* Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.* We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity. #