Merchant- LIVI

KnitWell Group • Albany, OH

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

Owns execution of merchandise strategy and product assortments for LIVI Active that enable the achievement of financial plan. Works in collaboration with all cross functional partners to deliver departmental plans. The impact you can have Works with Manager to develop and execute the strategic vision of the department integrating customer insight, competitive information, market intelligence, sales and fashion trends, fashion intuition and product distortion to maximize sales and profit. Understands the customer. Research and anticipates what the customer wants next; uses information from store visits in decision making and planning process. Collects industry/ consumer/ competitor trend information. Reports on and integrates findings into the development of the strategic vision and the future selection of product. Synthesizes trend intelligence and determines its relevancy to LB’s brand strategy. Develops product testing strategies that drive top line sales and margin. Works with Planning and Allocation on promotional cadence, flow order, color/size buys, minimum /maximum quantities, etc. Determines, based on history, trend, market information and customer knowledge, the ranking of each item in their assortment. Develops category strategy to identify key categories/items and distorts them to focus on driving newness, sales and fashion penetration. Architects balanced assortment plan that integrates fashion, lifestyle, pricing pyramids and tiered strategies. In season, reacts to current business trends; ensures the integration of fashion newness, develops upside strategies, recognizes product evolution and potential voids; prepares contingency plans to drive sales and profit objectives. Patterns competitors and fashion leaders and understands how they are projecting their brand. Focuses on overall assortment, fashion offering, pricing/promotional cadence, and presentations. Reports on and uses findings/information in season and future line planning. Drives superior performance by reviewing business in-season to maximize sales and profit; owns the in-season management of sales and profits in partnership with Planning & Allocation Teams. Adheres to the business calendar – preparation and ownership of meetings Partners with Design/Product Development to execute to the merchandise strategy from concept to market. Proposes product for PR and marketing vehicles and proof imagery. Partners with Visual on floor set placement of product to ensure that all styles are represented and volume and fashion projection objectives are met. Partners with Store Ops to develop appropriate educational and event tools for stores. Collaborates with Ecommerce and Outlet Merchants to ensure all channel needs are met. Responsible for hind-sighting product performance. Able to identify opportunities to drive profit and reduce markdowns. Takes accountability to develop associates. Prepares associates for broader responsibilities. Recruits and attracts “the best talent” to the organization.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of prior apparel merchandising experience for a fashion retailer.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships quickly.
• Ability to effectively present strategies and report on their business.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Ability to identify, develop, and retain top talent.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, retail management or business related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Owns execution of merchandise strategy and product assortments for LIVI Active.
• Works with Manager to develop and execute the strategic vision of the department.
• Integrates customer insight, competitive information, market intelligence, sales and fashion trends, fashion intuition and product distortion to maximize sales and profit.
• Researches and anticipates customer wants, using information from store visits.
• Collects industry/consumer/competitor trend information and integrates findings into strategic vision and product selection.
• Develops product testing strategies.
• Works with Planning and Allocation on promotional cadence, flow order, color/size buys, minimum/maximum quantities.
• Determines the ranking of each item in their assortment based on history, trend, market information, and customer knowledge.
• Develops category strategy to identify key categories/items and distorts them to focus on driving newness, sales, and fashion penetration.
• Architects a balanced assortment plan integrating fashion, lifestyle, pricing pyramids, and tiered strategies.
• Reacts to current business trends in-season, ensuring integration of fashion newness, developing upside strategies, recognizing product evolution and potential voids, and preparing contingency plans.
• Patterns competitors and fashion leaders, understanding their brand projection.
• Focuses on overall assortment, fashion offering, pricing/promotional cadence, and presentations.
• Reports on and uses findings/information in-season and for future line planning.
• Drives superior performance by reviewing business in-season to maximize sales and profit.
• Owns the in-season management of sales and profits in partnership with Planning & Allocation Teams.
• Adheres to the business calendar – preparation and ownership of meetings.
• Partners with Design/Product Development to execute the merchandise strategy from concept to market.
• Proposes product for PR and marketing vehicles and proof imagery.
• Partners with Visual on floor set placement of product.
• Partners with Store Ops to develop appropriate educational and event tools for stores.
• Collaborates with Ecommerce and Outlet Merchants to ensure all channel needs are met.
• Responsible for hind-sighting product performance.
• Identifies opportunities to drive profit and reduce markdowns.
• Takes accountability to develop associates.
• Prepares associates for broader responsibilities.
• Recruits and attracts talent to the organization.

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees