ASSOCIATE MERCHANT - Hybrid

Description This is a hybrid position that can be based out of our New York City or Columbus, OH headquarters. Your Impact: System Management & Execution Accountable for accuracy of product detail through excellent execution and management of assortment documentation and communication, with emphasis on MAT tool execution Customer Consistently demonstrate an ability to turn Customer insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategy Be the voice of the customer through store visits/travel, market distortions, and new product launches Be in or communicating with stores on a weekly basis to gain customer feedback and business insights Understand the customer’s lifestyle by staying on top of trends, social media, and pop culture as it specifically relates to the customer Utilize customer insights to support the evolution of the product to continue to build an emotional connection with the customer Lead competitive patterning (i.e., focus groups, share of drawer, campus visits, etc.) in order to understand the current competition/market trends and influence product strategy while making business recommendations Product Consistently demonstrate an ability to turn product insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategy and influence the evolution of potential new categories to fill customer’s needs Lead key meeting prep with sample availability, style & color ranking, deck preparation, and ad hoc requests and analysis, always staying agile and flexible Responsible for ongoing trend analysis and reporting, inclusive of competitive landscape & competitive patterning Support ideation and execution of a robust testing agenda to identify and unlock future growth opportunities Financial Understand financial parameters and applications needed to drive category results Leverage and analyze core financial reporting tools necessary to read and provide business insights (i.e. color report, placemats) Providing style and collection level insights as to what is working and not working within the assortment and propose actions based on insights Understanding and bringing attention to channel-specific selling nuances within the assortment Remain curious about category financials and performance while seeking to understand and apply metrics in regards to product performance Partners with Merchandise Planning on seasonal category strategies Collaboration & Relationship-Building Lead and demonstrate strong cross-functional partnerships with clear and accurate communication while demonstrating company values Actively participate in weekly cross functional meetings and calls Relationship building by demonstrating corporate culture & values of inclusivity, open-mindedness, collaboration, and positive intent Lead and demonstrate company values of Love the Customer, Passion with Purpose, Better Together, DEI is Everything Consistently react with urgency while comprehending overall strategy Talent Identify and regularly meet with an internal mentor Responsible for driving own development plan in partnership with leader Actively seek and take action on feedback from all levels to enable growth and development in role Actively participates in the selection, on-boarding and development of Assistant Merchants May indirectly supervise and coach the Assistant Merchant to achieve performance objectives Click here for benefit details related to this position. Qualifications Your Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration or relevant area 2-4 years of experience in merchandising or relevant experience Additional Preferred Experience: Strong understanding of vertically integrated retail operations Broad-based business acumen with the potential to grow to the Merchant level High intelligence with a true entrepreneurial risk mentality, strong analytical and strategic thinking skills Acute sense of brand and customer intimacy Acute fashion sense with proven talent to envision and interpret fashion trends Proficient in conflict management and problem-solving Exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships Strong organizational skills Ability to multi-task and prioritize Demonstrated ability in communication, presentation, negotiating and influencing skills Ability to lead and inspire with unquestionable integrity and trust Systems and computer proficiency (MS Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) We are an equal opportunity employer.