Merchant - Minneapolis

TalentRemedy • Minneapolis, MN

1d

About The Position

The Merchant assists with the overall performance of assigned categories or seasons and builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders. In partnership with the Senior Merchant and Director of Merchandising, this role supports product line business plans and seasonal financial goals, including sales and margin targets, calendar adherence, and ownership of assigned seasons. The Merchant develops product lines that represent the brand and align with merchandise strategy, while maintaining awareness of retailer and consumer needs and market trends.

The role works across product development, assortment planning, sourcing, pricing, and execution, from initial concepts and sampling through production. It also communicates seasonal product lines to internal management, stakeholders, and retailers, works with overseas vendors, and collaborates with planning, operations, and logistics teams. Domestic and international travel and some evening or morning calls with teams in Hong Kong, China, and India are required.

The position is described as being based in Minneapolis in the title, while the posting also refers to the client's Kansas City office.

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 in product development, overseas sourcing, manufacturing, importing, and costing.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build internal and external stakeholder relationships and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment; critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Professional, organized, and detail-oriented, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort speaking with leadership; high energy, self-starter, and team-player qualities.
• 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.
• Work with internal teams on product concepts, branding, and product and seasonal assortments that support business goals, product strategy, and profitability.
• Facilitate seasonal meetings and ensure milestone deliverables are met.
• Support out-of-season urgent sales requests and opportunities, including building presentations and completing other assigned tasks.
• Monitor competitive products and trends, identify market direction, 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 and deadlines.
• Develop model line summaries that communicate consumer and customer needs, deliverables, and tactical plans to cross-functional partners.
• Own the model line assortment, ensure BOM accuracy for materials and specifications, and support gross margin and category or season growth.
• Present formats and creative direction across Core, Fashion, and Trend products, and partner with the Assortment Planner on SKU rankings and assortment balance.
• Optimize fabric use across the seasonal line and brand portfolio; rationalize low-performing or MOQ-missing SKUs and create SKUs that meet gross margin and MOQ 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 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 PO issuance, production status, and order placement; ensure TNA is used between US and Hong Kong merchants.
• Travel domestically and internationally and participate in some night or morning calls with Hong Kong, China, and India.

Benefits

• Standard benefits package; details can be discussed toward the end of the interview process.

What This Job Offers

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