Job Description:
Role Summary:
As the AVP of Brand Strategy, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the overarching brand vision, purpose, and positioning for Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. You will play a critical leadership role in ensuring that the brand strategies for each of these iconic luxury retailers remain aligned with market trends, customer expectations, and business goals. Leading a team of two (Director and Senior Manager), you will drive the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that elevate each brand's presence in the luxury retail sector. This role reports directly to the senior-most leader of Portfolio & Brand Strategy and works closely with cross-functional teams across marketing, merchandising, stores and executive leadership.
Role Description:
Brand Vision, Purpose & Positioning:
- Lead the development and evolution of the brand vision, purpose, and positioning for Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, ensuring they resonate with the brands' respective target audiences while staying true to their heritage and values.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to refine and communicate the strategic direction for each brand, ensuring alignment across internal teams and external communications.
- Ensure that brand positioning is consistently reflected across all consumer touchpoints, including marketing campaigns, store environments, digital experiences, and customer service interactions.
Brand Strategy Leadership:
- Develop and implement brand strategies that drive growth, customer loyalty, and market differentiation for Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman.
- Oversee the creation of integrated, multi-channel marketing plans that align with each brand’s unique identity and objectives.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across marketing, merchandising, digital, and creative teams to ensure alignment and integration of brand strategy across all touchpoints and initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of two Senior Managers, providing strategic guidance, support, and professional development to help them succeed in driving brand strategy for Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and results-driven thinking within the team, ensuring high performance and alignment with broader business objectives.
- Ensure clear communication and feedback loops within the team and with senior leadership to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Strategic Brand Initiatives:
- Identify and drive key brand initiatives that will enhance each brand’s position in the market and increase customer engagement and loyalty.
- Work cross-functionally to develop strategic programs that support brand growth, including seasonal campaigns, influencer partnerships, limited-edition collaborations, and new customer experiences.
- Develop and execute competitive brand audits to identify opportunities for innovation and market leadership.
Market & Consumer Insights:
- Lead the development of consumer and market insights to inform brand strategy and ensure the brands are positioned to meet evolving customer needs.
- Utilize data-driven insights to optimize brand positioning, messaging, and product offerings. Stay ahead of trends and shifts in the luxury retail market, continuously refining brand strategy to maintain relevance and drive growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with senior leaders across Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman to ensure that brand strategy is seamlessly integrated into the overall business plan.
- Work closely with the marketing, merchandising, creative, and digital teams to ensure brand strategies are executed effectively and consistently.
- Lead brand-focused cross-functional teams to deliver on key strategic initiatives that drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and business performance.
Measurement & Reporting:
- Develop and implement brand performance metrics to measure the success of brand strategies and initiatives.
- Report on brand health, customer perception, and performance across key touchpoints to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations for refinement.
- Ensure continuous tracking and reporting on the effectiveness of brand campaigns, making adjustments where necessary to optimize impact.
Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, or a related field, with significant experience in luxury retail or fashion.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful brand strategies across multiple consumer touchpoints.
- Experience leading and managing teams, with strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate consumer insights and market data into actionable brand strategies.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Deep understanding of luxury retail brands and consumer behavior, with a passion for staying ahead of industry trends.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Your Life and Career at Saks Global:
Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities
A culture that promotes a healthy, fulfilling work/life balance
Benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental).
An amazing employee discount
Thank you for your interest in Saks Global. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Saks Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saks Global complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
*The above expected salary range may have some variability based upon factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s overall experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply and, if selected to move forward in the interview process, you will have a chance to speak with our recruitment team regarding your specific salary expectations.