Associate Merchant, Dresses (WHBM)

Chico's FAS, Inc.•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, it takes sophisticated technology, resources and infrastructure to ensure the continued success of our businesses. From finance and accounting to technology and merchandising careers, we have diverse opportunities available for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates who share our commitment to excellence. POSITION OBJECTIVE: This position is responsible in partnership with leader for achieving sales, gross margin, and profit goals of a specific Omni-channel classification and / or department through the selection, pricing and promotion of merchandise and by utilizing appropriate merchandising and management techniques to maximize the company’s return on inventory investment and space in stores and online. Supports the merchant team through a variety of daily tasks including order writing, business analysis, presentations, and product review and vendor meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
3+ years of experience with an apparel retailer
Excellent computer skills with emphasis on Excel
Strong interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to multi task and complete projects on time
Effective presentation skills
Broad based business acumen
Ability to multi-task and work with cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

Performs research analysis of their market and identifies trends and opportunities that can be applied to the core customer.
Determines quantities in partnership with leader to order by style, size, and color; validate to Line Plan and OTB plan.
Partners with Planning & Allocation and leader to ensure the appropriate distribution to maximize sales of the business.
Develops relationship with customer to ensure merchandising/products reflect what customer wants to buy.
Owns business for all merchandise, sales, inventory and margin in partnership with leader.
Partners with leader and cross functional team to build, assort, and plan the line for designated categories.
Serves as a resource in sample management.
Creates strong partnerships among cross functional areas including Planning, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Marketing, Site Merchandising Operations, International, Allocation, and Visual.
Develops and executes seasonal merchandise plans and pricing strategies in partnership with leader.
Reviews the sales plan and makes merchandising decisions in partnership with leadership.
Partners with Sourcing team to manage flow and timing of deliveries.
Works with Planning team to ensure proper buy depth based on sales expectations.
Communicates with Product Management and Design on a recap of best and worst sellers.
Ensures ongoing coordination with Digital Commerce Merchandising Site Operations and International teams on final assortment and any updates as needed.
Manages all order entry and product attributing based on approved buy plan; Will initiate P.O. revisions when applicable.