Merchandiser

SUMMARY:

The Merchandiser is responsible for all aspects of driving our Brands portfolio of products, including: executing the vision and voice of each brand, managing the day-to-day execution of brand strategy and playing a key role in the overseeing of the full product management life cycle as product moves from conception to market. Professionally manage relationships and ensure accurate and timely communication between customer, sales, marketing, design, graphics and product development.  Supports in presentations, samples, line management and administrative functions.  Serves as the lead within their assigned brands and serves as a backup on other brands, as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Sr Brand Management to develop business, brand, and channel road maps for brand innovation, growth and health.
• Collaborate with all internal stakeholders to ensure alignment to brand strategy and excellence in implementation.
• Brand Champion – ensure and champion understanding of brand voice and vision throughout a multitude of activation activities:
  • Packaging Development
    • Work with licensor, engineering, creative and purchasing to see packaging through concept to market
  • Catalog Creation
    • Work with licensor, creative teams to create seasonal catalogs
  • Selling Assets
    • Help develop seasonal selling assets like order forms, flyers, presentations
  • Call Center Promotional Calendar
    • Work with the Call Center team to layout promotional plan
    • Work with creative to build necessary eblasts to support plan
    • Coordinate and lead monthly meetings
  • Coordinate sample shipments
    • Work with PD/Merch to coordinate samples to Sales, licensor, customers, etc.
  • Direct Marketing/Fixture programs
    • Work with creative and purchasing team to implement fixture/signage program
    • Work with marketing team to help build out initiatives to support brand strategies/goals
  • Organize product imagery with Digital team
    • Work with photography team to ensure we have images for catalog and other needs each season.
    • Ensure they have the product to execute in a timely manner
• Manages the Merchandising Calendar for assigned account/business units. Ensures seasonal calendar deadlines are met.
• Creates and maintains seasonal line plans for each program in area of responsibility and develops independent recommendations.
• Researches and coordinates special projects as required to meet brand initiatives.
• Executes style/SKU level analysis to optimize productivity and margin.
• Manage and coordinate sample life cycle from conception to production.
• Establishes line plan parameters and independently manages SKUs for assigned accounts.
• Liaison with external partners to deliver brand right product and activation in the marketplace
• Recommend unique marketing ideas, initiatives and programs that help improve sales and profitability.
• Work to develop brand and product collaborations, partnerships, and CSR for each brand
• Other duties may be assigned

Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with internal cross functional teams (Packaging, Graphics, Digital, Merchandising, Sales, Design, PD, etc.)
• Build strong relationships with Licensors
• Build strong relationships with international teams
• Collaborate with Sales to build and execute approved strategic channel distribution
• Communication to Licensor on various needs throughout the year, including development status, sales updates, marketing and promotional plans, sample deliveries, seasonal catalogs, sell sheets, and marketing storytelling materials.
• Lead role in driving strong license relationships, ensuring alignment and leveraging opportunities.
• Direct design/marketing efforts with internal and external partners to deliver excellence in: brand materials, presentations, advertising, social media, PR, collaborations and e-com sites.
• Work with sales to support retail & rep partnerships, and to expand or manage distribution strategies in alignment with Brand objectives. Including: development of retail and sales facing materials (signage, swag, etc.)
• Work with Design, Merchandising and R&D to identify and deliver new ideas in products and innovation to support brand strategies.
• Create brand advocacy and connectivity across all internal and external stakeholders.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent attention to detail, time management skills and meeting deadlines
• Positive attitude and ability to handle highly confidential information
• Ability to reflect positive attitude and disciplined work ethic
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work independently
• High energy level
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience in being a self-starter
• Ability to deal with internal/external customers with enthusiasm and professionalism
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential
• Must possess confidence, good judgement, energy and the right personality to work in a challenging environment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Preferred college degree in Business, Management, Marketing, Fashion, Merchandising, Textiles or related field or combination of education and experience required.
• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, CAD, and/or Adobe Illustrator.
• Will work in PLM and Salsify and other necessary program

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Ability to take broad direction and execute specific requirements.
• Ability to manage and multi-task projects with multiple assignments and concurrent activities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, required.
• Understanding of line development profitability management.
• Must be highly detail oriented and accurate.
• Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of fashion, design, etc.
• Good creative and trend sense
• Curious mind, creative and strategic thinker.
• Serves as a compelling brand advocate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Occasionally required to lift, carry and move up to 25 pounds.  Close, distance and peripheral vision is required to accurately evaluate color.  Consistent daily attendance required; occasional off-shift support required.  Ability to travel occasionally domestically. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Generally, will work in climate controlled office environment.

*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.

AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics. *