Associate Merchandiser - Performance & Gear

Perry Ellis International • Portland, OR

11d

About The Position

The Associate Merchandiser supports the Sr. Product Line Manager, Performance Apparel & Gear, in guiding product creation from concept through finished goods. The role owns and drives key segments of the Performance Apparel & Gear product lines from product brief through commercialization, while helping maintain PLM system integrity, track milestones, and ensure pricing, brand positioning, and performance metrics are met before production approval.

The position works across merchandising, design, product development, technical design, sourcing, sales, planning, marketing, and other internal and external partners. It supports seasonal line planning, assortment development, market research, retail sales analysis, sample management, product data maintenance, and preparation for market. The Associate Merchandiser also attends development meetings and fittings, communicates progress and issues to the lead product line manager, and coordinates cross-functional meetings and touch bases.

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.
• Excellent 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 execute product management milestones on 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 to build profitable assortments that meet business objectives and financial goals.
• Assist with global market research and analysis to identify opportunities for Nike Swim, using internal and external data to understand consumers and the market.
• Collaborate with design, product development, technical design, and sourcing to finalize pricing and margins with sales and planning.
• Interface with design, sales, sourcing, marketing, and other functional areas to maintain effective workflow.
• Learn to analyze retail sales with planning and design teams to identify opportunities and best-selling items.
• Support the Merchandising team with related needs and market preparation.
• Maintain merchandising data entry files and communications, including merchandising plans, competitive snapshots, change notices, costing sheets, detailed product information, and marketing updates.
• Keep internal and external partners informed about product information and changes, including purchasing, planning, sourcing, sales, design, overseas, retail, compliance, and e-commerce teams.
• Support sample management by tracking samples for assigned categories, ensuring on-time delivery, organizing samples, handling invoicing, and tracking the sample budget.
• Maintain PLM software for new and carryover styles and manage PLM assets for flow 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 PLM when unable to attend.
• Attend weekly fittings to monitor development progress and provide the lead PLM with a detailed recap of progress and issues when unable to attend.
• Support the lead PLM 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 Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Associate engagement events, including seasonal celebrations and on-site wellness activities.
• Associate clothing discounts across company stores and e-commerce sites.

What This Job Offers

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