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Event Network, LLC · 2 days ago

Director of Purchasing-SSC

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

Event Network, LLC is the leading operator of retail experiences at iconic destinations across the United States. The Director of Purchasing is responsible for communication and strategy for product across partnerships, translating partner vision and guest expectations into actionable product strategies while ensuring alignment among stakeholders.

CommunitiesGiftMuseums and Historical SitesRetailShopping MallSocial Media

Hiring Manager

Mike Vargas

Responsibilities

Interpret partnership expectations, align cross-functional product strategies, and deliver clear, timely information to ensure stakeholders understand priorities, ownership, and required actions

Partner with the VP of Purchasing to ensure consistent execution of product strategies across buyers, planners, store quality, and product development in support of organizational priorities

Ensure clarity and alignment of product strategies across specific portfolio of partnerships by serving as the central conduit for product between partners and internal teams

Synthesize partner and guest goals into actionable product objectives, clearly defining and communicating the product 'win' to align internal and external teams

Possess strong communication instincts, with the ability to shift between email, calls, or meetings based on urgency, nuance, and relationship dynamics

Balance partner expectations, guest insights, and internal strategies, providing clarity on product goals without imposing personal viewpoints, so the right teams create the right solutions

Apply strategic thinking to navigate ambiguity, make informed decisions amid complexity, and ensure timely communication of important product updates and decisions

Guide, influence, and align cross-functional teams (buyers, planners, store quality, visual merchandising, creative) around product strategy and assortment architecture

Communicate key product insights, accomplishments, progress, and risks to senior leadership, providing clear recommendations or data that support strategic decision-making

Provide clear, actionable direction on product strategy and partnership objectives to ensure buyers and planners execute and support assortments with precision and alignment to business goals

Keep the guest experience central to product decision-making, balancing operational, partner, creative, and buyer perspectives

Drive product outcomes by focusing on priorities, solving problems creatively, and moving initiatives forward with urgency and clarity

Own financial accountability for product strategies within assigned partnerships, monitoring assortment performance, margins, and productivity against business and partner goals

Proactively escalate critical issues or risks, ensuring urgent matters are clearly communicated and addressed with the right stakeholders

Approach product additions with focus and discipline ensuring that new items reflect a thoughtful balance of creativity, guest impact, and business priorities such as SKU count targets, cost-of-goods thresholds, and sales-driving potential

Apply sharp prioritization to handle fast-paced, high-volume workflows with shifting timelines and multiple stakeholders

Establish clear decision parameters, align cross-functional teams, and keep focus anchored on shared product objectives

Qualification

Partnership managementProduct strategyAnalytical skillsExcel proficiencyCreative problem-solvingPresentation skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsProject management

Required

Experience in partnership or client relationship roles within retail, merchandising, or product strategy

Creative problem-solver with strong communication and organizational skills; able to prioritize, manage projects, and drive alignment across partners and internal teams

Proven ability to craft and deliver presentations from conception to execution, designing compelling decks, structuring KPIs and strategies into clear, persuasive narratives, and presenting with clarity, professionalism, and influence across audiences

Strong analytical skills with knowledge of store and product KPIs (margins, assortment planning, forecasting, performance)

Demonstrated success leading through influence in matrixed, cross-functional environments

Ability to travel throughout the year as needed

Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred

Prior experience partnering with mission-driven institutions or cultural destinations is a strong asset

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Benefits options 100% paid by employee: Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-Term Disability (for employees outside of CA, NY, NJ, HI, RI, Puerto Rico)

Accident Insurance

Critical Illness

Hospital Indemnity

Pet insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Vacation Accrual

Sick Leave

Nine Paid Holidays

Profit Sharing Bonus Plan

25% discount to shop at our stores

A separate discount program with exclusive savings on a variety of brand-name products, services, travel, entertainment, tickets, and more

Company

Event Network, LLC

Glassdoor3.5

OUR STORY 25 Years in Business… 100+ Iconic Destinations… Event Network, LLC is the leading retail operator for cultural attractions across North America.

Founded in 1993