AE - Merchandising Team Leader (Assistant Manager)

American Eagle Outfitters • West Des Moines, IA

2d

About The Position

The full-time Merchandising Team Leader serves as the Store Team Leader’s go-to partner for developing and implementing the store’s merchandising strategy. The role leads, trains, and coaches the team to deliver AEO visual standards, execute floorsets, meet merchandising and marketing standards, and keep the store guest-ready through effective replenishment. The position also represents company values and supports the store’s overall sales and financial performance.

As a key Leader on Duty, the Merchandising Team Leader helps maximize Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity, build guest loyalty through a strong guest experience, analyze reporting and daily trends, and develop short- and long-term plans with the Store Team Leader to drive key KPIs. The role leads day-to-day merchandising, sell-through adjustments, replenishment, and operational procedures while maintaining visual standards throughout the store and ensuring the Fitting Rooms are guest-ready.

The role recruits, hires, trains, and develops associates; provides real-time coaching and performance feedback; conducts team touchbases, development planning, and performance reviews; and supports associate engagement. It also maintains store safety and Asset Protection standards and ensures adherence to company policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Previous experience leading teams in a retail management role.
• Ability to multitask with attention to detail.
• Strong priority-setting and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead and develop teams.
• General understanding of employment law.
• Business acumen.
• Flexible availability to work when guests shop.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in AE and Aerie products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the store’s merchandising strategy with the Store Team Leader.
• Lead the team in executing floorsets, visual standards, merchandising and marketing standards, sell-through adjustments, and replenishment.
• Keep the store and Fitting Rooms guest-ready and maintain visual standards throughout the store.
• Drive sales as a Leader on Duty by maximizing Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity and building guest loyalty through the guest experience.
• Analyze reporting and daily trends to make strategic business decisions and contribute to the store’s financial success.
• Work with the Store Team Leader on short- and long-term business plans to drive key KPIs.
• Motivate, inspire, and hold the team accountable for customer service standards, especially on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
• Recruit and hire strong talent to meet store staffing needs.
• Train and develop team members to provide outstanding service.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching; prioritize team touchbases, development plans, and performance reviews.
• Drive associate engagement and celebrate team performance.
• Execute and innovate daily operational procedures.
• Maintain store safety and Asset Protection standards and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Opportunities for development, learning new skills, and career advancement.
• 40% off AE and Aerie products year-round, plus additional seasonal discounts with new Floorsets.
• Store contests with opportunities to win free merchandise and other exclusive prizes.
• A people-focused work environment described as the AEO Family.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed