Key partner with CMO in developing category’s annual and seasonal plans, based upon a detailed understanding of the category, an intimate understanding of the customer, and a studied appreciation of the overall market and competition. Partner with external vendors and internal cross-functional partners to achieve the department’s goals. Define strategy and line development. Direct purchasing of and in-season management of, a product assortment that drives sales and profitability for their assigned area.Manages the execution of operational tasks required to maintain a constant product flow, that also supports the product life cycle.
Responsibilities:
MerchandisingOversees vendor selection and maintains strong vendor relationshipsOn top of industry trends and also in evaluating competitionPartners with the CMO in the development of the longer range merchandise strategyManages in-season product selectionResponsible for preparing business recaps for internal and external partners that inform decisions and drive results.Identifies opportunities and makes recommendations to drive the businessPurchasing, Replenishment, AnalyticsThis includes heavy interaction with vendors in terms of both purchasing product and also problem resolutionManages the Product Life Cycle (i.e., writing the order, tracking key orders from shipment to the warehouse) through to analyzing its performance and appropriate MD cadenceRuns replenishment orders weekly, analyzes and partners with the planning teamManages and develops Assistant/Associate level talent in running weekly selling reports to recap and analyze business results, making recommendations for driving improved performance and identifying opportunitiesPerforms on-going analysis and interpretation of key business opportunitiesOpen to Buy/Product Life CycleOversees/manages Assistant/Associate talent in managing the PO Bankbook and tracking vendor shipments. Communicates with vendors with regard to business opportunities, VA, and fill rates.Provides product knowledge to activation team to ensure accurate product details are included on the PDPPartners with Planning to drive stock analysis on replenishment and fashion at a detailed level to maximize salesPartners with Planning in the weekly forecast of sales, receipts and inventory in the OTBPartners with Planning on the development and execution of exit strategies for aged inventory through programming markdowns or RTVOperationsThe Senior Merchant develops the Assistant/Associate Merchant on the operational aspects of their respective area(s), and partners with Planning/Merchandising Ops to bring these elements to life for our customers.Effectively utilizes and manages merchandising systems and displays thorough understanding of warehouse processes and the ability to train and guide Assistant/Associate level talent accordingly.Partners with Site Merchandising and E-com to deliver top notch presentation of product/ categories on our website to maximize conversion and salesOversees Assistant/Associate in ownership of the sample process including sample request, tracking, creating shoot lists, and communicating status updates with the Merchandise Ops and Integration team.
Other:Attends a minimum of 4 markets (more frequently, as appropriate) and tradeshows per year; Feb, May, Aug, Nov in NYCMust be able to build effective working relationships with vendors and colleagues cross-functionallyMust possess strong analytical and problem-solving skillsMust be articulate, collaborative, and have excellent communication skills Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Business or a related field5-8 years of experience in a retail buying/merchandising environmentStrong retail math, problem solving, written and verbal communication skillsProficiency in Excel, word, and data analyticsStrong analytical and quantitative skillsProven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and to adjust to shifting priorities as business and marketplace demands requirePrevious ecommerce experience a plus
