Senior Merchandiser
Our client is searching for an experienced Senior Merchandiser to oversee the full lifecycle of their product assortments-from early concept development through in‑market execution. This role is responsible for steering the seasonal creation process, managing timelines, shaping merchandising and digital strategies, and ensuring financial performance through thoughtful pricing and margin oversight. The Senior Merchandiser will act as the connective link between design, sales, planning, sourcing, and leadership teams, ensuring alignment and delivering assortments that succeed across all channels.
Key Responsibilities
Merchandising Strategy & Financial Performance
- Build and execute seasonal merchandising plans that support business goals and deliver on target margins.
- Partner cross‑functionally (Sales, Planning, Sourcing, Leadership) to finalize pricing structures, margin expectations, and go‑to‑market strategies.
- Guide the development of consumer‑focused product assortments that balance creativity with profitability.
Product Creation & Calendar Management
- Manage the end‑to‑end product development calendar, ensuring deliverables stay on track from design through production.
- Coordinate with design, sourcing, marketing, and sales to maintain a unified point of view for the brand across all categories.
- Oversee the timely handoff of product information and updates across departments.
Digital Merchandising & Selling Tool Development
- Lead digital merchandising initiatives by leveraging platforms such as NuOrder, 3D tools, and other digital assets.
- Create compelling digital sales materials that elevate customer presentations and support stronger sell‑in performance.
Leadership & Cross‑Functional Engagement
- Work closely with the Design Director to ensure product assortments reflect a cohesive brand message.
- Participate in buyer meetings and market appointments to communicate brand vision and present seasonal collections.
- Provide coaching, development, and performance feedback to Assistant and Associate Merchandisers, fostering growth within the team.
Budgeting & Operational Oversight
- Establish, manage, and reconcile annual budgets related to sample purchasing, prototypes, and travel needs.
- Represent the merchandising function in market trips, research travel, and sales meetings.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 5-7 years in merchandising, with proven ownership of product lines or categories.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field (or equivalent professional/design program experience).
- Analytical Ability: Strong command of Retail Math, sales analysis, and market trend evaluation.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the product development workflow, brand positioning, and consumer‑driven merchandising.
- Technical Skills: High proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and fluency across MS Office and Google Workspace.
- Project Management: Demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent timelines and complex, multi‑stage initiatives.
Preferred Experience
- Omnichannel Merchandising: Experience crafting assortments and strategies tailored to both wholesale partners and DTC ecommerce channels.
- PLM Expertise: Hands‑on experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools for spec sheets, vendor communication, and development tracking.
- Global Sourcing Understanding: Familiarity with international sourcing frameworks, duties/tariffs, lead times, and logistics considerations.
- Inventory & Planning Collaboration: Working knowledge of forecasting, inventory flow, and sales planning coordination.
Ideal Personal Attributes
- Strategic Mindset: Track record of driving process improvements or introducing strategic initiatives that enhance business outcomes.
- Communication Excellence: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present trend stories and assortments to internal teams and major retail partners.
- Relationship Builder: Skilled at managing diverse stakeholders, navigating complex dynamics, and fostering collaboration.
- Organizational Strength: Adept at handling high‑volume information, maintaining accuracy across seasons, and prioritizing competing deadlines.
- Travel Flexibility: Open to traveling up to 40% of the time, including short domestic trips and periodic market research travel.
FAQs
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