Associate Merchant - Minneapolis

TalentRemedy•Columbia Heights, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Merchant supports the overall business performance of an assigned category or season, including execution of product line business plans and achievement of company and seasonal financial goals. The role owns an assigned seasonal category, with responsibility for sales and margin goals, calendar adherence, and seasonal assortment. The Associate Merchant works with Senior Merchants and the Director of Merchandising, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop product lines that represent the brand and align with merchandise strategy and consumer and retailer needs. The position is primarily on-site in Minneapolis, with a hybrid schedule described as working in the office Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from home Tuesday and Friday, subject to occasional business needs. Domestic and international travel is required, up to 10%. Some morning or evening calls with teams in Hong Kong, China, and India are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, with a focus in Merchandising or Marketing.
2–4 years of related merchandising or product development experience.
Understanding of key retail sales metrics and merchandising requirements.
Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Detail-oriented and task-oriented, with strong presentation and negotiation skills.
Experience and knowledge of product development, overseas sourcing, manufacturing, importing, and costing.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively in a team.
Ability to multitask daily and work in a fast-paced environment; strong organizational skills.
Professional, organized, and detail-oriented approach.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High energy, self-starter, and team-player qualities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Ability to commute to the primarily on-site Minneapolis workplace.
Availability for required travel and some morning or evening calls with Hong Kong, China, and India.

Nice To Haves

NetSuite experience.
Analytical proficiency.
Demonstrated technical capacity.

Responsibilities

Use the Merchant Process to align cross-functional partners and leadership on the seasonal model line.
Collaborate with internal teams on product concepts, branding, and seasonal assortments that support business goals, product strategy, and profitability.
Facilitate seasonal meetings and ensure milestone deliverables are met.
Support Senior Merchants and Merchants with urgent out-of-season requests and sales opportunities, including presentations and other assigned tasks.
Monitor competitive products and trends, and communicate findings and opportunities related to formats, colors, materials, and fabrics.
Participate in product development from initial concept and sampling through sourcing, price negotiations, and execution to meet TNA and deadlines.
Develop model line summaries that explain consumer and customer needs, deliverables, and tactical plans for cross-functional partners.
Own the model line assortment, ensure accuracy of bills of materials and specifications, and support gross margin and category growth.
Present product formats and creative direction across core, fashion, and trend products, and collaborate with the Assortment Planner on SKU rankings and line balance.
Optimize fabric use across seasonal lines and the broader brand portfolio.
Rationalize SKUs, including reducing underperforming items and creating SKUs that meet gross margin and minimum order quantity targets.
Present and communicate seasonal product lines or categories to internal management, stakeholders, and retailers.
Communicate daily with overseas vendors through product development, pricing, sample approval, and production.
Drive strategic buying decisions and business performance for the assigned merchandise category in partnership with the Director of Merchandising.
Manage in-season business by analyzing sales and improving margins.
Coordinate with planning, operations, and logistics teams on purchase orders, production status, and order placement; ensure the Timing and Action process is used between U.S. and Hong Kong merchants.
Travel domestically and internationally as required, up to 10%, and participate in some morning or evening calls with teams in Hong Kong, China, and India.