Associate Merchant

West Marine • Fort Lauderdale, FL

4d

About The Position

Position Summary: We are seeking an Associate Merchant in our Fort Lauderdale, FL Support Center. The ideal candidate should... be a positive, results-driven product leader that develops the overall strategy for their product categories. have significant experience in a multi-store category management or buying environment. lead with clarity, focus and compassion. use data to determine the optimal assortment, selling price and promotional cadence appropriate to channel and category. have a “customer first” mentality and strive to create raving fans through having the right products in the right place at the right time and at the right price. be able to develop a clear marketing cadence for key products and will deliver on financial results. have the required collaborative and cross-functional capabilities to lead strategies from conception through execution. have a considerable track record of building industry-leading vendor partnerships that result in innovative assortments, profitable growth and win-win outcomes for all parties. have successful negotiating experience in a fast-pace, growth industry Primary Responsibilities: The Associate Merchant will have complete responsibility for specified portion of product assortments or sub-departments under the oversight of the CM or DMM. Will be required to manage the E2E processes necessary to achieve or exceed sales and profitability objectives for that area This position participates in the forecasting and analysis of business results, identifies key industry trends, plans product assortment and negotiates with vendors as it pertains to a particular area of the business The Associate Merchant will assist the Merchant/DMM with creation, implementation, and execution of product strategies that align with business objectives and financial goals This role will support the Merchant through a variety of tasks, including business analysis, product review, vendor management, and execution of strategy Create compelling assortments and ensure they are regionally appropriate, seasonally relevant and marine-focused. Work in partnership with the Merchandise Planner and Merchants to be accountable for achieving category KPIs including, but not limited to, sales, profit and turn. Responsible for in-season management of assortment; inclusive of marketing, pricing and product presentation across all selling channels. Item set up and SKU maintenance

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• 3 plus years-experience in Category Management or Merchandising in a retail buying environment
• Excellent communicator who fosters open communication and listens
• Speaks and writes effectively and with professional acumen
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt quickly to change and act with integrity
• Analytical with the ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community
• Will push for innovation both in product and process
• Understanding and demonstrated execution of merchandising math principles
• Proven negotiator
• Strong presentation skills
• Skilled conflict manager
• Excellent vendor relationship development track record
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Office 365, Power Point, Excel, Word
• Relex and JDA knowledge a plus
• Demonstrates adaptability and acts with integrity
• Analytical and strategic—Ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community
• Will push for innovation both in product and process

Nice To Haves

• Boating knowledge or experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• complete responsibility for specified portion of product assortments or sub-departments under the oversight of the CM or DMM
• manage the E2E processes necessary to achieve or exceed sales and profitability objectives for that area
• participates in the forecasting and analysis of business results, identifies key industry trends, plans product assortment and negotiates with vendors as it pertains to a particular area of the business
• assist the Merchant/DMM with creation, implementation, and execution of product strategies that align with business objectives and financial goals
• support the Merchant through a variety of tasks, including business analysis, product review, vendor management, and execution of strategy
• Create compelling assortments and ensure they are regionally appropriate, seasonally relevant and marine-focused
• Work in partnership with the Merchandise Planner and Merchants to be accountable for achieving category KPIs including, but not limited to, sales, profit and turn
• Responsible for in-season management of assortment; inclusive of marketing, pricing and product presentation across all selling channels
• Item set up and SKU maintenance

What This Job Offers

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