Director of Bedding and Sleep

JOB SUMMARY:

At Furniture Mart USA, we don't just sell mattresses - we help customers create better lives through better sleep. As one of the largest and fastest-growing furniture retailers in the Midwest, we are looking for a bold, strategic, and results-driven leader to take our bedding business to the next level.

The Director of Bedding & Sleep will own one of the company's most important and fastest-moving categories, representing approximately 20% of total company revenue. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for driving category growth, optimizing profitability, building best-in-class vendor partnerships, and elevating the customer sleep experience across a multi-state retail footprint.

If you are passionate about retail strategy, merchandising, analytics, leadership, and winning in a competitive marketplace - this is your opportunity to make a major impact.

What You'll Do

Lead the Bedding Business

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking category strategy across:
• Mattresses
• Adjustable bases
• Foundations
• Pillows and sleep accessories
• Protection products

Drive sales growth, market share, and profitability across all store locationsIdentify emerging trends, customer preferences, and opportunities to strengthen Furniture Mart USA's market leadership

Assortment & Merchandising Strategy

• Build an industry-leading product assortment with the right mix of:
• National brands
• Exclusive offerings
• Price points
• Customer lifestyle solutions

Conduct line reviews and SKU productivity analysisIntroduce innovative products while strategically eliminating underperforming inventoryEnsure strong in-store merchandising standards and compelling customer presentations

Drive Financial Performance

• Own category P&L performance, including:
• Revenue growth
• Gross margin
• Profitability
• Inventory productivity

Develop pricing, promotional, and financing strategies that increase conversion and average ticketAnalyze performance trends and customer behavior to make fast, data-driven decisionsCreate and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to monitor key business metrics

Build Strategic Vendor Partnerships

• Establish and lead high-level vendor relationships and negotiations
• Partner with suppliers on:
• Product innovation
• Exclusive programs
• Promotional opportunities
• Sales training initiatives

Negotiate pricing, freight, rebates, co-op advertising, and margin enhancement opportunitiesHold vendors accountable for fill rate, delivery performance, quality, and profitability

Optimize Inventory & Supply Chain Performance

• Collaborate closely with planning and supply chain teams to improve:
• Inventory turns
• Allocation
• Forecasting accuracy
• Product availability

Reduce stockouts, overstocks, and aging inventory through proactive planning and analytics

Elevate Retail Sales Performance

• Lead the development of high-impact Retail Sales Associate (RSA) training programs
• Improve product knowledge, attachment selling, and close rates across the organization
• Partner with operations and vendors to deliver exceptional sales and customer experience initiatives

What Success Looks Like

You will directly influence business results through key performance indicators including:

• Bedding sales growth
• Comparable store sales performance
• Gross margin dollars and percentage
• Average ticket and units per transaction
• Accessory and adjustable base attachment rates
• Inventory turns and weeks of supply
• Close rates and sales conversion
• Sales per square foot
• Vendor scorecards and profitability
• Customer satisfaction and warranty performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field
• 7-10+ years of retail merchandising, category management, or buying leadership experience
• Proven success leading a high-volume retail category within a multi-unit environment
• Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management experience
• Deep understanding of retail merchandising, inventory management, pricing strategy, and promotional planning
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen with the ability to turn insights into action
• Experience working with retail systems, POS analytics, and inventory planning tools

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced business degree
• Bedding, furniture, durable goods, or big-box retail experience
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced retail environment

Skills That Will Set You Apart

• Strategic thinker with strong business instincts
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
• Highly analytical and data-driven
• Strong presentation and influencing abilities
• Passion for retail innovation and customer experience
• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with operational execution

Why Furniture Mart USA?

At Furniture Mart USA, we believe our people are the difference. We offer the opportunity to join a growing company where leaders are empowered to make decisions, drive innovation, and create meaningful impact.

What You Can Expect

• Competitive executive-level compensation
• Performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Growth and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
• The opportunity to shape a category that is central to our business success

Join Us

If you're ready to lead one of the most important retail categories in the company and help shape the future of sleep retail at Furniture Mart USA, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help customers sleep better while building a best-in-class bedding business.

Furniture Mart USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer