AKIRA Director of Footwear

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Director of Footwear

Location

Chicago, IL (On-site)

Overview:

The Director of Footwear is a pivotal leadership role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, creative vision, and operational excellence. This position is responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of footwear for ecommerce and brick and mortar, ensuring products resonate with the market, meet company goals, and maintain profitability. This includes strategic planning, team leadership, product development, product assortment, and go to market strategy to ensure footwear offerings are on trend and aligned with customer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute in the long-term footwear strategy in alignment with the company's business goals, financial targets, and market trends.
• Define the vision and direction for the footwear category according to consumers demand and experience.
• Identify opportunities for growth, including new markets and expanding product assortment through new styles, designs, and partnerships
• Collaborate with marketing, finance, planning, operations to ensure alignment on goals and execution
• Cultivate relationships with suppliers and mange process, quality, timely deliveries, and cost effective pricing
• Push for innovation in design and just-in-time manufacturing, staying ahead of trends
• Product development and sourcing
• Manage inventory and product life cycle for retail and e-commerce

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion, Business or a related field
• 10+ years in buying, merchandising, sourcing, product development in fashion or footwear industry, with a proven track record of product selection, management, and sales forecasting
• Experience managing or mentoring a team of buyers or assistants and leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Production knowledge
• Strategic thinking
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Trend spotting
• Technology proficiency
• Analytical skills
• Negotiation skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Must be able to travel

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA, 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-Time In-Office

Seniority Level

Director

Industry

Retail Apparel and Fashion

Job Type

Full-Time In-Office

At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. The starting pay for this position is $150,000.00 annually, and may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.