Merchant - Minneapolis

TalentRemedy•Columbia Heights, MN

About The Position

The Merchant assists in the overall business performance of defined categories or seasons and develops relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partnering with a Senior Merchant and/or Director of Merchandising. The role supports execution of product line business plans and company and seasonal financial goals. The Merchant owns assigned seasons and is accountable for season sales and margin goals, calendar adherence, and the category’s overall performance. The position requires strong collaboration, initiative, and awareness of retailer and consumer needs. The Merchant partners with Senior Merchants to develop brand-aligned product lines and merchandise strategies for each delivery. The role works across product concept development, assortment planning, sourcing, pricing, sampling, and production, while coordinating with overseas vendors and internal cross-functional teams. It also involves analyzing in-season sales, driving strategic buy decisions, improving margins, and communicating product lines and opportunities to management, stakeholders, and retailers. Domestic and international travel is required, as are some morning or evening calls with Hong Kong, China, and India.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in Merchandising or Marketing.
At least 3 years of related merchandising or product development experience.
Understanding of key retail sales metrics and merchandising requirements.
Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving skills.
Detail- and task-oriented, with strong presentation and negotiation skills.
Experience and knowledge of product development, overseas sourcing, manufacturing, importing, and costing.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to multitask daily; critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Professional, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence speaking with leadership.
High energy, initiative, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Nice To Haves

NetSuite experience.
Analytical proficiency.
Demonstrated technical capacity.

Responsibilities

Use the Merchant Process to align cross-functional partners and leadership on the seasonal model line.
Collaborate with internal teams on product concepts, branding, and seasonal assortments that support business goals, product strategy, and profitability.
Facilitate seasonal meetings and ensure key milestone deliverables are met.
Support Senior Merchants and Merchants with urgent out-of-season sales requests and opportunities, including presentations and other assigned tasks.
Monitor competitive products and trends, and communicate findings and opportunities related to formats, colors, materials, and fabrics.
Participate in product development from initial concept and sampling through sourcing, price negotiations, and execution to meet TNA timelines and deadlines.
Develop model line summaries and tactical plans that communicate consumer and customer needs, deliverables, and execution direction to cross-functional partners.
Own the model line assortment, ensure accuracy of bills of materials and specifications, and grow the category or season while meeting gross margin goals.
Present product formats and creative direction across core, fashion, and trend products, as well as SKU rankings; partner with the Assortment Planner to balance the line.
Optimize fabric use across the seasonal line and broader brand portfolio.
Rationalize SKUs that do not generate sufficient gross margin or meet minimum order quantities, and develop new SKUs that meet those goals.
Present and communicate seasonal product lines or categories to internal management, stakeholders, and retailers.
Communicate daily with overseas vendors during product development, pricing, sample approval, and production.
Drive strategic buy decisions and defined-category business performance in partnership with the Director of Merchandising.
Manage in-season business by analyzing sales and improving margins.
Coordinate with planning, operations, and logistics teams on purchase orders, production status, and order placement; ensure use of the Timing and Action (TNA) process between US and Hong Kong merchants.
Travel domestically and internationally and participate in some morning or evening calls with Hong Kong, China, and India.