Our worldwide brand leader client in the plush industry is hiring for an exciting Merchant - Associate position in their Kansas City office. They are looking for a detail-oriented merchandising professional with sharp critical thinking and collaboration skills. This role is hybrid being in the office M, W, TH and opportunity to work from home T and F unless there is an occasional business need. This is such an exciting organization to be a part of!
Role and Responsibilities
AssociateMerchantwillassistin theoverallbusinessperformanceofdefinedcategoryor seasonsanddevelopkey relationships withboth internaland externalstakeholders âwillpartnerwith 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Utilize the Merchant Process to ensure all cross-functional partners and leadership team are aligned to the seasonal model line being produced.
Work with internal and teams for product concepts, branding and create various product and seasonal line assortments that meet the overall business goals, product strategy and profitability
Facilitate seasonal meetings with the team to ensure key milestone deliverables are met
Support Senior Merchant/Merchant with out of season â urgent requests/opportunities from sales team â building presentations and other tasks as assigned
Understands the competitive marketplace product and trends â has a pulse on where the market is moving â outlines formats, colors, materials, and fabrics- compiles and communicates findings and opportunities
Directly involved in all aspects of product development from initial concept, sampling through sourcing, price negotiations and execution to meet TNA and deadlines
Develops model line summaries that enable the cross-functional team to fully understand consumer/customer needs and deliverables and associated tactical plans that provide direction to cross-functional partners on âhowâ to execute strategy
Accountable for the model line assortment, ensures BOM accuracy on all materials/specifications, and GMâs and growing the category/season
Presentationof formats & creative direction for product-to-product Core, Fashion, Trend â as well as SKU rankings â will partner with Assortment Planner to ensure balance amongst the line
Fabric optimization â ensures that core fabrics are used across not only the seasonal line, but also the entire brand portfolio â
SKURationalization â reduction of thelong tail SKUâs that arenot generating enough GM - or hitting MOQâs â will be responsible for creating new SKUs that hitthe GMâs and MOQâs - Presents and communicates the seasonal product lines or category to internalmanagement, stakeholders, as well as retailers.
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 â 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
Preferred Skills
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.