Merchandiser

Randa Corp•Rosemont, IL

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Merchandiser develops and executes the Rain and Seasonal Accessories product strategy within their area of responsibility. The role ensures assortments align with brand objectives, consumer insights, market trends, and financial goals, and leads the product lifecycle from concept development and assortment architecture through commercialization and customer adoption. Working closely with Design, Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, and Planning, the Merchandiser turns consumer and customer needs into product assortments that support brand relevance and business results. The position 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 competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remote. Domestic and international travel is required, 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 accessories design.
Strong understanding of raw materials 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 trends in Rain and Seasonal Accessories, and partner with Design to inform product strategy, assortment decisions, and growth opportunities.
Partner with Design to develop seasonal assortments aligned with brand positioning, customer needs, and financial objectives; provide direction on product architecture, styles, colors, key items, and category gaps.
Prepare for internal and external meetings by coordinating with Sales and cross-functional teams, and prepare samples, assortment visuals, and supporting materials for market appointments, line reviews, account presentations, and trade shows.
Oversee product adoption from line finalization through commercialization, maintain accurate style information in PLM, facilitate handoffs with Product Development and Sourcing, and maintain product specifications, costing, and assortment information.
Manage seasonal milestones, critical-path timelines, and lead times, coordinating cross-functional work to support product development, customer presentations, sample readiness, and on-time market deliveries.
Act as the primary merchandising liaison with factory and supplier partners, managing communication about samples, product specifications, costing updates, sourcing requirements, and adoption timelines.
Initiate sample requests and oversee prototype development for umbrellas, ponchos, rain accessories, and other seasonal products; review samples for design intent, construction quality, fit, functionality, materials, and compliance with specifications.
Lead sample management, including forecasting sample needs, submitting requests, tracking status, coordinating deliveries, organizing products for fittings and presentations, and maintaining documentation; ensure samples are available and presentation-ready.
Collaborate with Sales, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations on category growth, customer initiatives, process improvements, and strategic business objectives.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

Three weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment.
Company-provided life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
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 at a group discount rate.
401(k).
Unlimited access to an online fitness and wellness program.
Hybrid work schedule.
Competitive base salary.
Career growth opportunities.