Associate Merchant

Role and Responsibilities

AssociateMerchantwillassistin theoverallbusinessperformanceofdefinedcategoryor seasonsanddevelopkey relationships withboth internaland externalstakeholders –willpartnerwith SeniorMerchant/Director ofmerchandising.Thisrolewillsupporttheexecution ofproductlinebusinessplansandmeetcompany andseasonalfinancialgoals. TheAssociateMerchant willberesponsibleformeetingsales andmargin goals foraseason,calendaradherence, and overallownership ofassignedseasons. TheAssociateMerchantis someonewith a strongdesireto growand contributeknowledgeand skills in theindustry and whoenjoysteamcollaboration.Whilefocusingoninternalexecution,theAssociateMerchantmustbeknowledgeableand havegood awareness attheretailerand consumerlevel.They willpartnerwith SeniorMerchants to developaproductlinethatrepresents thebrand and is aligned withthemerchandisestrategyforeachdelivery.TheAssociateMerchantwillberesponsiblefortheirownseasonalcategory. They willdemonstratea highenergy level and be a self-starter and a team player.

• Works and communicates on daily basis directly with overseas vendors through product development, pricing, sample approval and production process.
  
• Drives strategic buy decisions and business performance of defined merchandise category with partnership with the Director of Merchandising
  
• Manages in-season business by analyzing sales and improving margins
  
• Works with internal planning, operations and logistics teams for PO issuing, production status, to order placement – ensures the Timing and Action (TNA) is being used between US and HK merchants
  
• This role will require domestic and international travel Requirements:
  
• Will require some nightly/morning calls with Hong Kong, China, and India
  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree required, Merchandising or Marketing focus
  
• Minimum 2-4 years related Merchandising or Product Development experience
  
• Understanding of key retail sales metrics and key merchandising requirements
  
• Self-motivated with excellent problem-solving skills
  
• Detail and task oriented. Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
  
• Experience and knowledge of product develop, overseas sourcing, manufacturing process, importing and costing
  
• Must have strong interpersonal skills to develop relationships with stakeholder both internally and externally, and to work effectively in a team approach
  
• Must have the ability to multi-task on daily basis. Critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills are important for success.
  
• Must be professional, organized, detail oriented and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
• They will demonstrate a high energy level and be a self-starter and a team player.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and particularly Excel
  

• NetSuite experience a positive
  
• Analytical Proficiency
  
• Demonstrated technical capacity
  

ABILITY TO COMMUTE

• This job is on-site in Kansas City, MO
  
• Travel will be required up to 10%.May be international travel or domestic.