Merchandising Strategy & Space Optimization Manager

Job Title: Merchandising Strategy & Space Optimization Manager

Salary Range: $87,000 - 104,400

Location: Seattle, WA - Administration

Work Site: Hybrid, 3 days required in office, 2 days remote

About the Position

The Manager, Merchandising Strategy & Space Optimization drives revenue by improving the productivity of Evergreen Goodwill’s retail space. Using sales, inventory and space-performance data, this role optimizes category allocation, store layouts and fixture utilization to increase sales per square foot and linear foot while strengthening the customer experience.

This hands-on role builds Evergreen Goodwill’s space-optimization capabilities, establishing benchmarks, reporting, standards and scalable processes to guide decisions and measure results. The Manager evaluates and implements space-planning, analytics and automation tools to modernize decision-making and reduce manual work.

Working closely with Retail Operations, store leaders and Brand & Experience, the Manager translates insights into practical sales-floor improvements, maintains visual merchandising standards and supports Featured Finds planning and execution. This includes seasonal product-selection and merchandising guidance, coordinated with marketing content to reinforce the trends and looks shoppers will find in stores.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Function

• Establish baseline standards, reporting and ongoing measurement for sales per linear foot, sales per square foot and other space-productivity metrics across stores, categories and subcategories.
• Analyze store, category and subcategory performance to identify opportunities to improve space allocation, product adjacencies, fixturing, merchandising and store layouts.
• Develop data-informed recommendations that balance revenue performance, customer experience, inventory availability, local demand and operational considerations.
• Partner closely with Retail Operations and store leaders to build buy-in around recommendations and translate space-optimization strategies into practical changes on the sales floor.
• Lead the implementation of approved space-optimization recommendations in partnership with Retail Operations and store leadership.
• Measure the financial and operational impact of space and merchandising changes, including incremental revenue, space productivity and ROI, and use results to inform future investments and optimization decisions.
• Build scalable processes, reporting, tools and guidance to consistently execute and sustain successful space-optimization strategies across locations.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement space-planning, analytics and automation tools that improve decision-making, increase scalability and reduce reliance on manual processes.
• Maintain regular field presence across Evergreen Goodwill stores to observe performance, understand operational realities, partner with store teams and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Identify fixturing needs and recommend fixture type, placement and use based on business objectives and expected performance; partner with Procurement and Finance on sourcing and purchasing.
• Serve as the merchandising and space-optimization partner for new stores and remodels, providing recommendations on layouts, category allocation, adjacencies, fixtures and customer flow.
• Maintain and evolve visual merchandising standards using performance data and store insights; train and coach store teams to support consistent, shoppable and customer-focused environments.
• Support seasonal Featured Finds planning and execution by translating trend direction into practical product-selection and merchandising guidance adapted to available inventory; coordinate rollout timing, store communication and refresh expectations with Retail Operations.
• Partner with Brand & Experience to align Featured Finds looks, displays and seasonal timing with marketing content and campaigns; integrate signage, in-store events and other customer-facing initiatives into the store environment.
• Stay current on retail space-planning practices, technologies, consumer behavior and emerging approaches to store optimization, bringing relevant opportunities and recommendations to Evergreen Goodwill.
• Upholds safe work practices in support of a safety culture through awareness and observation; train and educate employees of safety requirements; reports any potential hazards or accidents.

• Other duties as assigned.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Goodwill’s policies and applicable laws.
• Partner with People Relations as needed and appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism while working independently or in team environments.
• Remain calm and effective during stressful or emergency situations.
• Maintain required certifications, training, and professional development.
• Meet established timelines for assigned work and projects.
• Uphold safe work practices and contribute to a culture of workplace safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of department objectives and organizational needs.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role requires reliable transportation to travel between work sites and/or perform job duties as scheduled.

Education and Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant retail experience, with demonstrated success using data and business insights to improve performance.
• Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to translate sales, inventory and space-performance data into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to build or improve processes, reporting and tools; experience with retail analytics, space-planning or automation technologies preferred.
• Strong project and change management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, build stakeholder buy-in and influence without direct authority.
• Strong visual merchandising judgment, including the ability to translate seasonal and consumer trends into product selection and compelling displays, with an understanding of customer flow, adjacencies and fixture utilization.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, analytics, merchandising or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations

• Must have valid Washington Driver’s license and proof of insurance along with good driving record.

Computer/Technology Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to learn new technology and software as related to the job.

Physical Abilities

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand for long periods of time, communicate with other employees by talking and hearing, required to lift and carry items weighing up to 35 pounds and to operate computer systems.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to see all standard colors (ROYGBIV- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
• Able to communicate with others effectively both verbally and written, including those who have limited English skills.
• Maintain reliable attendance.

Essential Mental/Sensory Abilities

• Problem solving
• Leadership and coaching skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Attention to detail
• Time management and multi-tasking