Footwear Product Merchandising Intern

Ariat International•San Leandro, CA

About The Position

The Footwear Product Merchandising Intern will learn and support the Product Manager by assisting with merchandising documentation, product samples, and packaging coordination. This role ensures pricing and marketing materials are accurate across platforms. It also involves conducting market research, assisting with seasonal planning and product development processes, attending key meetings, and contributing to the execution of product and marketing strategies.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Design or a related field or a recent graduate.
Enjoy intellectual curiosity, passion for learning and ability to maintain a positive attitude.
A self-starter who takes the initiative and is flexible and adaptive to changing priorities.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented with strong proofreading and data accuracy capabilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Interest in product development, merchandising, or the fashion/apparel industry.
Knowledge of Western or lifestyle brands is a plus.

Responsibilities

Maintaining and updating all merchandising-related documents and logs.
Managing product samples for the Product Manager.
Assisting the PM team with pricing, margin-related initiatives and accuracy of all printed & online materials.
Coordinating and executing in Packaging for the Product Manager.
Gathering market data via selling reports, industry publications, events, and shows to help identify and expand on Ariat market opportunities.
Supporting Product Manager in creating the strategy to present to product teams including: product boards, focus groups, event participation, competitive pricing analysis, and customer profiles.
Taking notes at all meetings to publish action items for the product teams.
Attending concept, proto-type, and line close meetings.
Participating in product brainstorms and assisting in set up of project list and briefs in support of project list.
Proofing line list, price list, and merchandising plan for accuracy.
Performing market research of various brands both western and mainstream – keeping a pulse on western brand launches and brand sites.
Collaborating and helping create and manage seasonal merchandising plans and manage projects through the development process.
Assisting the PM with seasonal market research and brainstorming.
Assisting the PM with seasonal merchandising plans.
Assisting the PM with seasonal creative product briefs.
Assisting the PM with management of line reviews, pre-lines/market feedback, final line decisions and launch plans.
Attend weekly product team meetings.
Create task list from all meetings attended and follow up on completion along with Product Manager.
Reviewing product development calendar for any issues or conflicts.
Representing Product Manager in meetings as needed.
Following up on sample deliveries – proto, line close, and sales samples.
Proofing to include: Packaging, hangtags, catalog, web site, and B2B.
Coordinating with Product Manager to ensure product is correct and available for photo shoots requirements.
Assisting Product Manager with prep for sales meetings, events, and customer visits.