Associate Merchandiser

Vera Bradley Designs • Roanoke, IN

266d

About The Position

The position involves developing, communicating, and driving seasonal merchandise strategies for the business category, with a focus on meeting or exceeding financial goals. The role requires collaboration with various departments including Design, Product Development, MP&A, Visual, Marketing, and Sales to create a compelling product line that aligns with business and customer needs. The individual will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Vera Bradley customer and lifestyle attributes, plan annual and seasonal product strategies, and propose long-term category strategies. Responsibilities include managing multiple categories, identifying product-driven business opportunities, conducting analyses, and presenting assortment proposals to sales teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, retail management, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience required.
• 4+ years of merchant, assortment planning or related experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to build and maintain good rapport.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to make decisions within guidelines.
• High level of analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Excellent PC skills including Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive seasonal merchandise strategies for the business category.
• Meet or exceed financial goals for categories of responsibility.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, MP&A, Visual, Marketing, and Sales.
• Plan annual and seasonal product strategies.
• Propose 2-5 year category strategies.
• Collaborate with Merchandising Manager and MP&A to develop seasonal category business plans.
• Manage multiple categories within a Merchandising POD.
• Identify product-driven business opportunities and risks in-season.
• Complete best seller analysis and lead presentation of hindsight meetings.
• Deliver compelling seasonal category line plan by channel.
• Make recommendations on life cycle of products.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of marketing products.
• Determine product tests needed and coordinate item development.
• Regularly shop competitors and understand consumer trends.
• Anticipate future product needs and collaborate with Design.
• Partner with Visual Merchandising and Marketing for visual walk-throughs.
• Partner with Planning team to validate seasonal and promotional buys.
• Provide mentoring, training, and development of merchant team.

Benefits

• Variety of medical, dental, and vision programs.
• No premium medical plan for employee only coverage.
• Employer provided 2X salary in life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Paid family medical leave.
• 401k plan with generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Up to 3 weeks of paid time off in the first year.
• 9 paid holidays a year.
• Voluntary Time Off for community service.
• Employee Assistance Program with wellness support.
• Generous employee discount on Vera Bradley and Pura Vida products.
• Bonus opportunity, identity protection, legal services, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree