Job Description
The Apparel Merchant/Product Line Manager is responsible for leading the strategic selection of merchandise to optimize sales growth and profitability. This position builds trusting and collaborative relationships internally and externally with cross functional partners and vendors. The merchant owns operational functions of multiple categories and is expected to deliver with a high level of accuracy while managing overlapping deliverables. They prepare for product presentation meetings and present their product strategy company wide. This role is also instrumental in guiding, overseeing, and developing the Merchandising Associate and/or Assistant.
Responsibilities:
- Independent thinker, able to drive growth through proactive initiatives.
- Directly responsible for the strategy, development, and collaborative execution of the product for multiple categories.
- Analyze business performance on a weekly basis.
- Hindsight prior seasons through extensive product and trend analysis drawing clear concise takeaways.
- Build seasonal frameworks and work collaboratively with design and sourcing teams to ensure strategies are executed.
- Develop a partnership with the Design team to drive sales and introduce merchandise that is new, brand right, and moves the business forward.
- Partner with inventory planning to manage stock levels and end-of-life markdown cadences.
- Ensure product placement and presentation align with strategic goals and current business trends.
- Responsible for developing strong, collaborative partnerships with cross-functional teams; approach all working relationships in a respectful manner
- Mentor, motivate, and develop direct support; foster a collaborative work environment and build strength within the team.
- Stay informed on catalog and web industry trends; frequently analyze competition.
- Present assortment and seasonal strategies to company.
- Participate in creative style review meetings, ensure proper marketing of product.
- Review catalog and web content for accuracy and alignment with business strategies.
- Initiate and perform additional ad hoc analytical assignments as needed.
- Occasional travel to tradeshows and vendor showrooms.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in apparel merchandising, demonstrating a strong track record in product selection, market analysis, and trend forecasting.
- Mentoring experience preferred, with keen ability to develop and motivate team members.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with intermediate level to advanced Excel skills.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to draw conclusions and make thoughtful recommendations.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines.
- High level of attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and thorough task completion.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Strong writing and presentation skills.
- Must be able to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Creative and critical thinker, with effective problem-solving skills.
- Process and calendar driven, ability to manage overlapping meetings and deadlines.
- Firm understanding of retail math and fundamentals.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English.