Swanson Health

Director of Merchandising

United States full-time Executive Salary not listed
full-time Executive level Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

Competitive Benefits • Fitness Center Reimbursement • Product Discounts
This is a remote position; however, candidates must be located in Minneapolis, MN; Fargo, ND; or Chicago, IL.
Who We Are:
Swanson Health Products has been committed to bringing wellness to the world for over 50 years. As a leader in the vitamins, supplements, and natural wellness industry, we focus on delivering science-backed, high-quality products that support healthier lives. We are a digitally driven organization investing in innovation, customer experience, and data-informed growth.
About the Role:
We are seeking a Director of Product Merchandising to define and execute enterprise-wide category, assortment, and innovation strategies across Swanson’s product portfolio. This role is responsible for driving category growth, profitability, innovation performance, and portfolio optimization across Direct-to-Consumer, Amazon & 3P Marketplaces, and International channels.
As a key leader within the organization, you will oversee category strategy, assortment planning, innovation roadmaps, and portfolio performance while leading and developing a team of merchandising professionals. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with Innovation, Marketing, Pricing, Analytics, Purchasing, Ecommerce, Marketplace, and International teams to deliver business growth and strengthen Swanson’s market position.
What You'll Do:
Category & Portfolio Strategy

Own category vision, strategy, and performance across multiple channels

Lead assortment architecture, governance, and SKU rationalization initiatives

Monitor category performance and implement improvement plans

Identify growth opportunities, portfolio gaps, and emerging market trends

Leverage consumer, competitive, industry, and internal insights to inform strategic decisions

Innovation Leadership

Own innovation roadmaps and product pipelines for both owned and partner brands

Oversee product launches, reformulations, and discontinuations

Partner cross-functionally to commercialize innovation initiatives

Evaluate launch performance and optimize future innovation investments

Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, coach, and develop Associate and Assistant Merchants

Establish clear priorities, accountability, and performance expectations

Build organizational capability and succession plans

Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement, and results

Cross-Functional Leadership

Represent Merchandising across enterprise initiatives and strategic projects

Influence decisions across Innovation, Marketing, Pricing, Analytics, Purchasing, Ecommerce, Marketplace, and International teams

Align stakeholders around category priorities and business objectives

Business Performance & Growth

Drive category growth, profitability, and portfolio optimization

Manage innovation performance and product lifecycle strategies

Utilize analytics and financial insights to guide business decisions

Support enterprise growth initiatives across all sales channels

Required Qualifications:

10+ years of progressive merchandising or category management experience

Demonstrated success managing category performance, innovation pipelines, and cross-functional business initiatives

Strong analytical, financial, and strategic planning capabilities

Experience owning financial performance and driving business results

Proven experience managing product lifecycles and innovation portfolios

Executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders

Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills

Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development abilities

Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through organizational change

Bias toward action, accountability, and results

Experience working across multiple sales channels, including DTC, marketplaces, and international markets a plus

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Management, or a related field

Why Join Us?
Join a company with over 50 years of leadership in health and wellness and play a key role in shaping the future of our product portfolio. As Director of Product Merchandising, you'll drive category growth, lead innovation, influence enterprise-wide strategy, and make a meaningful impact on the health and wellness journey of millions of customers.
Originally posted on Himalayas

Interview prep

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Executive
Technology & IT Data Analysis Remote Collaboration Sales Director Merchandising Executive level

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Director of Merchandising role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at Swanson Health?
  3. Which of Data Analysis, Remote Collaboration and Sales have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. How have you led people, improved a process, or made a hard decision in a previous role?
  5. How do you handle busy days, changing priorities, or pressure at work?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with Data Analysis, Remote Collaboration and Sales.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Director of Merchandising role because I can bring practical experience in Data Analysis, Remote Collaboration and Sales, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes Swanson Health needs from this hire.

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