Merchandising Manager

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing the product lifecycle from concept to market, and supporting the creation and alignment of brand strategies and initiatives. Professionally manages relationships and ensures accurate and timely communication and alignment between brand/merchandising, customer/licensor, sales, product development, operations, planning, design and product development. Provides go-to-market support to Sales with presentation materials, samples coordination, assortment recommendations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the Sr. Director of Merchandising to develop and execute assortment strategies across multiple brands, regions, and channels.
• Manages cross-functional input between sales, brand, and design in creating seasonal line plans, that achieve brand strategies and financial goals.
• Analyzes POS and sales data, researches and analyzes marketplace trends, competitive landscape, and consumer insights to ensure optimal product assortments.
• Monitors product development process to ensure product remains within SKU targets, adheres to timelines, and aligns with brand strategies and financial objectives.
• Manages the merchandising calendar for assigned account/business units, ensuring seasonal calendar deadlines are met.
  • Maintains for multiple seasons at a time.
  • Reports timelines and adherence to senior management.
  • Maintains and monitors off calendar requests and ensure sign off from key stakeholders.
• Supports oversight and execution of item creation process from concept to launch, ensuring merchandise data accuracy in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and related systems for assigned areas.
• Coordinates and manages execution of go-to-market materials:
  • Coordinates samples for showrooms, photoshoots, and marketing/PR needs.
  • Manages input and integrity of SKU level data for item creation.
  • Supports creation of all seasonal and core catalogues.
• Cost Analysis
  • Develops an understanding of technical manufacturing procedures and brand/customer needs to facilitate the execution of a profitable product.
  • Maintain understanding of competitive pricing models and brand architecture, to support review of cost templates seasonally, make price recommendations, and ensure margins are within target.
• Sample Management
  • Build and issue sample requests in PLM
  • Coordinate requests with factories, track and manage timing, manage communication and distribution to cross-functional teams.
• Serves as liaison between brand/merchandising, sales, product development, operations, planning, and design to coordinate inputs, and investigates and resolves merchandise challenges.
• Other duties may be assigned.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and maintains a disciplined work ethic.
• Capable of working both in a team and independently.
• Experienced in leading groups of people, projects, or processes.
• Strong business acumen with a solution-focused, problem-solving approach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable working in various systems such as PLM, CRM, and ERP.
• Knowledge of CAD/Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop a plus.
• Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Able to collaborate with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and adapting to frequent changes.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• College degree in Fashion, Merchandising, Textiles or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• A minimum of three years of experience managing merchandising and/or product development processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Understanding and proficiency in line development profitability management.
• Demonstrated experience leading a group of people, project or process.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of CAD/Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop a plus.
• Knowledge of cost tracking and billing procedures.
• Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with all levels of the organization.
• Must be able to work unsupervised and thrive in a stressful environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of fashion, design, etc.

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 and possibly internationally.

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. *