This job contributes to REI’s success by driving critical Merchandising strategies and operations via support of the DVP, Merchandising Product Operations, and members of the Merchandising Senior Leadership Team. The Sr. Program Manager, Product Operations role facilitates and supports the development and execution of business planning objectives, product and assortment strategies, and organizational priorities. This role manages a strategic and structured approach to create efficiency and effectiveness through the creation of project documentation, building clear accountability and tracking execution, identifying and working with cross-divisional stakeholders, and facilitating progress reporting against key workstreams. This role will be a critical and proactive thought partner for Merchandising Leadership and influence the enterprise through connecting, articulating, and driving organizational priorities and strategies.

• Creates a repeatable & predictable process for strategy, priorities, goals, and business planning, and reviews within the Merchandising organization while ensuring integration and alignment back to the broader enterprise.

• Acts as central representative for planning, communicating, and advancing organizational strategies and priorities within the Merchandising organization, including Planning and Inventory teams.

• Understands the key initiatives and workstreams the Merchandising organization is focused on and works to drive progress and successful outcomes against these priorities. 

• Drives collaboration and strategic alignment across functions ensuring and promoting close partnerships to break down silos and drive shared objectives.

• Accountable for program management, program leadership, and successful delivery of a portfolio of work.

• Proactively provides solutions to problems that may arise with little to no guidance.  

• Serves as a key decision-maker and advisor for the DVP, Merchandising Product Operations, and members of the Merchandising Leadership Team demonstrating a strong strategic point of view.

• Performs ongoing risk assessments and manages impact/mitigation solutions; proactively identifies and removes obstacles, escalating as appropriate.

• Leads special projects and working group activities as needed. Influences key partners cross-divisionally on Merchandising strategy priorities and dependencies.

• Extends expertise and best practice to other enterprise program managers to help guide overall Merchandising strategy and business objectives.

• Evaluates and analyzes regular business results to proactively identify issues and provide improvement recommendations.

• Acts as the process integration point for enterprise deliverables such as Strategic Plan, Budget and Forecast, Business Reviews, etc.; identifies and drive engagement points with enterprise rhythm of business workstreams.

• Acts as the Merchandising organization point of contact on the budget planning process in partnership with Finance and is accountable for entry and maintenance into budget and forecast documents and systems.

• Develops and drives playbook for communication and connection strategies, workstreams, and milestones including ongoing “All Hands” meetings, culture-related gatherings, feedback mechanisms, etc. 

• Extends role to broader Business Planning & Operations teams focused on initiatives such as shared goals, cross-divisional alignment, and enterprise engagement. 

Qualifications

• 7+ years demonstrated experience in project management, process improvement and implementation of change initiatives. 
• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, standards and tools associated with broad reaching program management. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to flex between strategic thinking and effective execution. 
• Strong organizational and planning capabilities – logical and structured, with strong attention to detail.  
• Ability to build and foster strong relationships across the organization, from individual contributors to senior management; establishes trust and inspires others. 
• Highly collaborative: partners actively and achieves alignment; communication and presentation skills to drive vision and strategy. 

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.