Senior Merchant

Tandy Leather Factory•Fort Worth, TX

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic Merchandising Manager to join our Product Management team. In this lead merchant role, you will support the overall assortment strategy, inventory management, and product life cycle for a highly SKU-intensive business with a diverse portfolio of product categories and in-house manufacturing. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. This hands-on role involves managing day-to-day tasks, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, markdowns, buy planning, receipt plans, store allocation strategies, gross margin, and overall inventory management. You will have a significant impact on new product development and growth, focusing on meeting consumer needs and differentiating from the competition. We’re seeking candidates who are enthusiastic about learning, making a difference and are motivated by contributing to our success as we continue to innovate and grow in a competitive market.

Requirements

5-7+ years of general merchandising experience
Deep knowledge of retail landscapes managing complex categories within an omni-channel environment
Experience in maintaining inventory levels based on financial metrics
Demonstrated success in product development, sourcing, and supplier management
Proven ability to align product needs with company objectives and manage assortments within financial targets
Innovative thinker who synthesizes consumer insights, trends and competitive analysis to make informed product decisions
High energy, self-starter with the ability to manage quick turnaround situations demonstrating problem-solving skills, the ability to work within the grey in a high-performance environment
Possesses the ability to manage up, down and across with results
Strong leadership and mentorship skills, managing direct reports and delegating effectively
Balanced creative and analytical thinking
Strong negotiation and communication skills
Ability to learn and utilize in-house systems

Responsibilities

Define product needs by classification/hierarchy to align with company objectives and manage the product assortment within a financial framework that meets or exceeds sales and margin plans.
Maintain inventory levels based on open-to-buy, inventory turn, sales plans, and key budget/financial metrics.
Create and execute an overarching product development approach that includes competitive assessment, a deep understanding of consumers and their end uses, and identifying new product categories or segments for profitable growth.
Source, buy, and successfully launch products into retail stores in collaboration with new and existing vendors and the R&D manager.
Drive growth and inventory management with the Commercial Sales division based on quick-turn/high-volume orders.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, store operations, etc.) to communicate big ideas, key investments, strategies, and execution plans for stores.
Understand the competitive set, including pricing and key messaging, and use this knowledge to drive retail execution.
Translate product strategies into action plans and execute them to achieve division and department goals.
Build relationships with vendors/suppliers through effective communication, collaboration, and planning.
Monitor and track sales and sell-through weekly, reporting key findings and action plans during business reviews with management. Identify how current trends will impact future results and adjust as needed.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends.
Demonstrate a commitment to quality by reporting and reacting to returns data and customer feedback.
Manage purchase orders with the direct report of a purchasing assistant, ensuring on-time delivery and system accuracy.