Associate Merchandiser - Performance & Gear

Perry Ellis International • Portland, OR

10d

About The Position

The Associate Merchandiser supports the Senior Product Line Manager for Performance Apparel & Gear and helps guide product creation from concept through finished goods. The role owns key segments of the Performance Apparel & Gear product lines, supporting the process from product brief through commercialization. It also helps maintain PLM system integrity, track milestones, and ensure pricing, brand positioning, and performance metrics are addressed before production approval.

The Associate Merchandiser partners with cross-functional teams to execute seasonal product milestones and develop profitable assortments aligned with business objectives and financial goals. The role supports market and consumer research, retail sales analysis, merchandising data and communications, sample management, and product information updates. It maintains PLM data and assets, attends development meetings and fittings, and keeps the lead Product Line Manager informed of progress and issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Product Development, Product Design, Sports Product Management, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of product management and/or merchandising experience in apparel.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Adobe Suite, and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong listening skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interact with people with varying personalities.
• Passion for product and a high taste level.
• Knowledge of retail math and concepts.

Nice To Haves

• Swim industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Take accountability for a classification or product category throughout its product life cycle.
• Work with cross-functional partners to meet product management milestones within the seasonal end-to-end calendar.
• Participate in merchandising strategies, seasonal line plans, product briefs, and roadmaps; lead these activities for assigned product line segments.
• Assist with global market research and analysis to identify opportunities for Nike Swim.
• Use internal and external data sources to understand consumers and the market and support business results.
• Collaborate with design, product development, technical design, and sourcing to finalize pricing and margins with sales and planning.
• Coordinate with business functions including design, sales, sourcing, and marketing to maintain workflow.
• Work with planning and design teams to analyze retail sales and identify opportunities and best-selling items.
• Support the Merchandising team with related needs and market preparation.
• Maintain merchandising data files and communications, including merchandise plans, competitive snapshots, change notices, costing sheets, product details, and marketing updates.
• Keep internal and external partners informed of product information and changes, including purchasing, planning, sourcing, sales, design, overseas, retail, compliance, and e-commerce teams.
• Support sample management by tracking samples, ensuring timely delivery and organization, and managing sample invoicing and budget tracking.
• Maintain PLM software for new and carryover styles and manage PLM assets for transfer into NuOrder and the Sales Toolkit.
• Track loaned samples and ensure their timely return.
• Attend weekly development meetings and communicate important issues and questions to the lead Product Line Manager when they cannot attend.
• Attend weekly fittings to monitor development progress and provide the lead Product Line Manager with detailed progress recaps and issues when they cannot attend.
• Support the lead Product Line Manager by coordinating cross-functional touch bases and meeting dates and times.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a discretionary company match.
• Company-provided basic life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 24/7 access to the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Associate engagement events, including seasonal celebrations and on-site wellness activities.
• Associate clothing discounts at company stores and e-commerce sites.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level