Merchant (Hybrid) Bolingbrook, IL
About The Position
At S&S our people are our greatest resource - there’s never been a better time to join the team! We are incredibly proud to have a culture cemented in our core values, integrity, customer care, accountability, respect, and excellence. Our talented and diverse crew is filled with inspiring leaders and dedicated peers to best support and channel your purpose, allowing you to bring fresh ideas to the table. The Merchant role is responsible for driving product strategy and defining the assortment and architecture for their specific category, based on customer preferences, market trends, and data analysis. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create a cohesive, well-priced seasonal collection positioned to meet sales and merchandising deliverables. This position will heavily utilize customer feedback, Sales staff input, product selling and other trend related data to develop and execute the seasonal assortment plans while driving top-line revenue and achieving strong financial results.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in a Retail Buying, Merchandising or Merchandising role equivalent
- Prior apparel experience preferred
- Passion for product including prior knowledge of design, product development, and production processes
- Analytical thinker who is excited to analyze data and use Sales and Customer feedback to drive assortment decisions
- Technically savvy, eager to learn new systems, with expertise in Microsoft Excel required
- Enjoys building strong relationships with internal and external partners
- Excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills
- Motivated by challenge with ability to positively lead through change
- Comfortable taking calculated risks to achieve results
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Responsibilities
- Own and collaborate on product launches to ensure timely launch by managing the progression of new style development.
- Provide data support as needed to internal and external cross functional teams.
- Leverage data and systems support team to refine the assortment brand and by product class.
- Review sales performance and market data to create actionable insights that inform the line plan and drive, achieve, and exceed sales plans by Brand and style.
- Provide data insights, identify opportunities and risks, and make recommendations as needed to Manager.
- Oversee, train, and develop a Merchandise Coordinator or Assistant as needed.
- Assist in creation of line plan to include product assortment, suggested pricing strategies, product lines, growth opportunities, and product lifecycle transition plans.
- Create trend reports and merchandised product presentations for internal and external go-to market support.
- Oversee and manage sampling process for new product launches with the Merchandise Coordinator and Assistants.
- Provide specific files and product information as requested to Customers and internal stakeholders.
- Partner with cross-functional teams in Supply Chain, Compliance, Decoration Operations, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service to support successful seasonal launches and address challenges.
- Manage new supplier business plans from birth to launch while partnering with internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to execute the brand vision with Marketing, Sales and Customers; Conduct Sales and Product training as needed; Travel to Strategic Customers and Suppliers as needed.
Benefits
- Vacation, Personal, and Sick time
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Disability coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) plan
- discounts on brand‑name apparel
- fun employee events
- meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
