<p>Own and drive category strategy (e.g., fragrance) to fuel brand growth through new launches, core assortment optimization, and strategic brand expansion or exits Build and manage strong brand partnerships, including leading negotiations around margins, marketing support, training, and sampling Develop and oversee assortments, leading launch strategies, animations, and storytelling across stores and digital channels Analyze category performance, leveraging data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for growth Identify and source new brands to fill assortment gaps and meet evolving client needs Partner cross-functionally with Kohl's and internal teams to align on business opportunities, visual merchandising, and planogram execution Lead fixture and in-store presentation strategies to bring assortments to life Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution of launches and initiatives Coach, mentor, and develop a team of merchants and coordinators, building a strong pipeline of talent 7+ years of merchandising experience, ideally within beauty or a related retail category 7+ years of people leadership experience, with a strong track record of developing and growing teams Strong business acumen with experience owning category strategy and driving financial results Advanced analytical skills, including working with large data sets (Excel) to inform decisions Proven ability to manage brand relationships and lead negotiations Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working across multiple stakeholders Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external partners High attention to detail, organization, and ability to adapt to change Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience</p>