Merchandise Vendor Compliance Analyst (Remote)

About Designer Brands  

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward. 

Merchandise Vendor Compliance Analyst (Remote)

Location: Remote

As a Merchandise Vendor Compliance Analyst, you'll play an important role in supporting the flow of merchandise across Designer Brands. By partnering with vendors and cross-functional teams, you'll help ensure purchase orders, vendor processes, and compliance standards are executed accurately and efficiently. You'll use data and insights to identify opportunities for improvement, resolve operational challenges, and support business performance. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working collaboratively with teams across the organization.

What You'll Be Doing

Vendor Compliance

• Develop and maintain vendor compliance standards and processes.
• Monitor vendor performance and address compliance issues as they arise.
• Apply vendor charges in accordance with established guidelines.
• Communicate with vendors and internal partners regarding compliance matters.

Purchase Order & Vendor Operations

• Support new vendor setup in Jesta and provide consignment vendor support.
• Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are in place and followed to support timely order execution and receipt processing.
• Research and resolve purchase order issues that impact inventory flow and operational efficiency.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues related to Advanced Ship Notices (ASNs), EDI transmissions, and UPC management.

Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze operational data to identify trends, compliance gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain reporting that tracks deadlines, performance, and compliance metrics.
• Monitor product damage and return trends to identify potential vendor-related quality issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions, including RTVs, cost concessions, or chargebacks.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Process Improvement

• Partner with Buying, Vendor Finance, Transportation, and DC/FC teams to address vendor compliance concerns.
• Support adherence to established service expectations and vendor performance standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness.
• Help remove operational barriers that impact the efficiency of the purchase order lifecycle.

What You'll Need

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1-3 years of experience in an analytical field.

Technical & Functional Knowledge

• Knowledge of purchase order management, vendor relations, transportation, and receiving operations.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Preferred: Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to analyze large data sets and derive actionable insights.
• Ability to balance big-picture thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across teams and vendor partners.
• Ability to influence outcomes and build relationships across multiple functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating cross-functionally.

Ways of Working

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and proactive in identifying solutions.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!  

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi. 

• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work. 

• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives. 

• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.