Merchandiser

Randa Corp • Rosemont, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Merchandiser develops and executes the Seasonal Footwear product strategy for their area of responsibility, aligning assortments with brand objectives, consumer insights, market trends, and financial goals. The role leads the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept development and assortment architecture through commercialization and customer adoption, with a focus on innovation and category growth.

Working closely with Design, Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, and other teams, the Merchandiser translates consumer and customer needs into commercially successful assortments. The role may support multiple brands and categories and provide leadership and day-to-day guidance to Assistant Merchandisers. It calls for a strategic, consumer-focused approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The position is based in Rosemont, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule of three days in-office and two days remote. Some domestic and international travel is required, with travel of up to 25–30%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in merchandising consumer products, design, or product development.
• Prior experience in footwear merchandising, design, product development, or a closely related category.
• Strong understanding of footwear materials, components, construction methods, and finished-goods manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or similar tools.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and/or proven leadership skills.
• Excellent presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and creative communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25–30%.
• Ability to receive, lift, open, and unpack product sample boxes, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and multitasking abilities.
• Customer-focused and results-driven mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Adobe Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Prior overseas travel experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze historical sales performance, consumer insights, customer feedback, and competitive market trends in the Seasonal Footwear category.
• Partner with Design to turn market and business findings into recommendations for seasonal product strategies, assortment decisions, and category growth.
• Develop seasonal assortments with Design that align with brand positioning, customer needs, and financial objectives.
• Guide product architecture, style opportunities, color trends, key item development, and category-gap decisions.
• Prepare for internal and external meetings by coordinating with Sales and cross-functional teams on customer needs and presentation objectives.
• Prepare product samples, assortment visuals, and supporting materials for market appointments, line reviews, account presentations, and trade shows.
• Oversee product adoption from line finalization through commercialization, including accurate style creation and maintenance in PLM.
• Facilitate handoff meetings with Product Development and Sourcing teams, and maintain complete product specifications, costing, and assortment information.
• Manage seasonal milestones, critical-path timelines, and lead times; coordinate activities to support product development, presentations, sample readiness, and on-time market deliveries.
• Serve as the primary merchandising liaison with factory and supplier partners, coordinating communication about samples, specifications, costing, sourcing requirements, and adoption timelines.
• Initiate sample requests and oversee prototype development for seasonal footwear styles, materials, components, colorways, and packaging.
• Review samples for design intent, construction quality, fit, functionality, material execution, and compliance with product specifications before approval.
• Manage the sample lifecycle, including forecasting needs, submitting requests, tracking status, coordinating deliveries, organizing products for fittings and presentations, and maintaining documentation.
• Ensure samples are available and presentation-ready for internal reviews and customer meetings.
• Collaborate with Sales, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations on category growth, customer initiatives, process improvements, and strategic business objectives.
• Provide leadership and day-to-day guidance to Assistant Merchandisers to support execution of milestones, deliverables, and seasonal initiatives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Three weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment.
• Company-provided life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid parental leave.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance options with low employee contributions.
• Commuter benefit plan.
• Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and accident and critical illness insurance offered at a group discount rate.
• 401(k).
• Unlimited access to an award-winning online fitness and wellness program.
• Career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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