Sephora Merchandising Director

About Sephora

Sephora is a global prestige beauty leader, renowned for redefining the retail experience through creativity, inclusivity, and expert service. Founded in France and now part of LVMH, the company brings together an exceptional portfolio of beauty brands with a distinctive culture of discovery and innovation. As an employer, Sephora offers a dynamic, customer-centered environment where talent is encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow across retail, digital, merchandising, operations, and corporate functions. Its teams are united by a passion for beauty, entrepreneurship, and belonging, making Sephora a compelling workplace for professionals seeking impact within a fast-moving international brand.

Sephora seeks a Merchandising Director to lead strategy and performance for a product category portfolio generating more than $500 million in annual revenue, oversee brand partnerships and profitable omni-channel growth, and develop a high-performing team. The permanent, full-time position is hybrid and based in Toronto.

Role & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that drive sustainable growth, market share, and client engagement.
• Shape seasonal merchandising priorities and oversee brand assortments, launches, promotions, and key business initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new brands, products, and business opportunities that support Sephora Canada's growth objectives.
• Use market trends, client insights, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners and vendors.
• Lead negotiations on commercial agreements, margins, co-op support, training investments, samples, and other partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with brands on innovative launches, activations, and client experiences that strengthen Sephora's market leadership.
• Champion strategic partnerships that drive long-term category growth and profitability.
• Partner with Planning to establish and deliver annual and seasonal sales, margin, and inventory objectives.
• Monitor business performance and identify opportunities to maximize category growth and profitability.
• Lead business reviews and strategic planning discussions, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Balance short-term business needs with long-term category growth strategies.
• Partner with Marketing, Ecommerce, Visual Merchandising, Education, Supply Chain, and Store Operations teams to execute category and brand strategies.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that elevate in-store and digital client experiences.
• Adapt broader North American strategies to the needs of the Canadian business.
• Influence stakeholders across functions and levels to drive successful business outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of merchandising professionals.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that reflects Sephora's values.
• Provide clear direction, prioritize work, and support the development of future merchandising leaders.
• Drive accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the team.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of buying and/or merchandising experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership role within specialty retail, department stores, beauty, fashion, or other relevant consumer categories.
• Proven success leading large-scale businesses, brands, or categories in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing sales, profitability, and inventory performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute category growth strategies and deliver measurable business results.
• Experience building and managing strategic vendor and brand partnerships.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to influence across functions, teams, and geographies.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical rigor, sound judgment, and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Proven track record of developing high-performing teams and leading through change.
• Passion for beauty, retail, brands, and creating exceptional client experiences.
• Comfort and confidence using digital and AI-enabled tools responsibly in day-to-day work.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years of buying and/or merchandising experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership role.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from CAD 153,000 to CAD 176,600 per annum.

Benefits

Bonus; RRSP matching; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; Well-Being@Sephora program; hybrid work schedule; vacation and flex days; maternity and paternity leave; training and development programs and resources; 30% discount on merchandise and services; gratis opportunities; flash sale discounts on LVMH brands; volunteer and donation matching; Employee Assistance Program; free mental health resources with 24/7 access to Dialogue.

Culture

Sephora fosters a dynamic, inclusive workplace where creativity, curiosity, and a passion for beauty are encouraged at every level. As an employer, it is distinguished by its focus on empowerment, continuous learning, and a collaborative retail culture that celebrates individuality and client-centric innovation.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.