Associate, Merchant (Hybrid)

Claire's Accessories•Chicago, IL

40d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Merchant will support Merchants to curate commercial, global, trend right assortments - with a constant consideration for our customer. Having independent ownership for a product area - responsible for supporting in the delivery of key financial metrics, merchandising strategy, business analysis, line building, building cross-functional relationships. The Associate Merchant will play a key role in overseeing Assistant Merchant tasks and execution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, business, or related field
2-3 years merchandising or retail buying experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and solution-oriented decision-making
Strong organizational, planning, administrative, and written and verbal communication skills
Innovative & open minded individual
Consumer led
Understanding of retail math
Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)

Responsibilities

Support Merchant or Merchandise Manager and merchandising team on all day-to-day functions for assigned category, in addition to learning and taking ownership for assigned area
In partnership with Merchant/Merchandise Manager, compile seasonal hindsight, develop seasonal merchandise strategy and roadmap for assigned area of responsibility that ties to financial plans and seasonal goals
Analyze business and key KPIs weekly and seasonally, and present recommendations & findings to leads; take ownership for area of responsibility
Own seasonal buys and style ranking for area of ownership; In partnership with Merchant, create pre-season promotional strategies and support lead on balance of category where required
Manage and oversee product tracking for assigned category to ensure on time delivery. Elevate any potential risk to upper management
Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, Planning, ISP and other merchandising partners to collaborate on seasonal buying process
Expert in customer and global competition for assigned department, understanding other retailers' assortments, pricing and promotional strategies in comparison to Claire's. Reports back findings, white space opportunities, and any relevant actions
Oversee execution and completion of assistant level tasks which include sample tracking and management, creation, preparation and maintenance of reports and recaps, purchase order creation and maintenance
Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the merchandising team
Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing and mentoring team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modelling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
Maintain all seasonal selling reports & records (recaps, style boards, line sheets) and distribute to cross-functional partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization