VP, Footwear Merchandising
Michael Kors seeks a VP, Footwear Merchandising in the New York Metro Area to lead global footwear strategy across retail, outlet and wholesale channels.
Overview
Michael Kors is a global luxury lifestyle brand known for accessible luxury in ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear. The brand operates internationally across retail, wholesale and outlet channels and is part of Capri Holdings, a global fashion group that includes multiple luxury labels. As an employer it emphasizes creativity, commercial rigor and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced, consumer-driven environment.
Role & Responsibilities
- Define and lead the global footwear merchandising strategy for women's and men's across Retail, Outlet and Wholesale channels.
- Develop brand-right assortments tailored by region (North America, EMEA, Asia) and by channel while preserving brand DNA.
- Partner with Global Merchandising, Design, Production, Sales and Global Buying to align product strategy with customer demand and business goals.
- Drive channel differentiation to optimize sell-through, revenue and margin while maintaining a cohesive brand point of view.
- Own pricing strategy, product costing and lifecycle management to achieve gross margin targets and competitive positioning.
- Manage end-to-end merchandising processes including line planning, hindsight analysis, assortment building, showroom setup, merchandising directives and competitive analysis.
- Oversee long-lead-time and inventory liability management, fabric buys and other category-level procurement decisions.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing merchandising team, building bench strength and supporting career progression.
- Adjust assortments responsively to emerging trends, category shifts and performance insights; communicate business needs across cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 10 years of merchandising experience, including 5+ years in a people leadership role.
- Deep footwear merchandising experience across women's and/or men's categories.
- Proven experience managing complex, multi-region and multi-channel assortments within a global fashion or lifestyle brand.
- Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Skills
Experience
10+ years of merchandising experience with at least 5 years in leadership; demonstrable background in global, multi-channel footwear merchandising for a fashion or lifestyle brand.
Education
Bachelor's degree required.
Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Schedule; Summer Fridays; Internal Mobility Across Brands; Cross-brand Discount; Exclusive Employee Sales; Fav 5 Cards (friends & family discount); 401(k) Match; Paid Parental Leave; Thrive Wellness Program; Commuter Benefits; Gym Discounts
Culture
Michael Kors fosters a creative, fast-paced culture that blends strong product design sensibility with commercial discipline. Teams operate collaboratively across regions and functions, valuing nimble decision-making and a customer-focused approach while supporting internal mobility and professional development.