Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Merchant
REPORTS TO: Merchandise Manager
TEAM/DIRECT REPORTS: Assistant Merchant
Position Summary
Lead a cross-functional team that delivers consistent results in product innovation, sales, margin and inventory turn. Drive strategy, innovation and development of a trend right/brand right Omni Channel product assortment for assigned category /department that meets the needs of the customer.
Accountabilities
- Establish, drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan through effective communication and coordination with cross-functional business partners inclusive of design, international merchandising, planning, etc.
- Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas through the customer lens. Develop and assort trend right and brand right product. Drive product innovation.
- Understand (at all times) competition and marketplace inclusive of Brick and Mortar AND Digital competition. Make brand right and informed decisions for assigned departments/categories based upon the competitive landscape/marketplace and the needs of the customer.
- In partnership with the planning team, establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning to manage the Open-to-Buy as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and Weeks of Supply.
- Analyze performance and plans constantly to look for sales and margin opportunities to exceed plan; quickly adapt and respond to changes/trends occurring in the business and in the marketplace.
- Develop and drive test and react strategy across all channels.
- Effectively and efficiently run business meetings to ensure objectives and deadlines are met.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Able to work in a hybrid environment, meaning that some work may be performed remotely but certain essential functions must be performed in-person/in-office based on the needs of the business.
- In person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration (e.g., portion of week, entire week) is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, approvals, etc.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required.
- 5+ years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer
- 1-2 years’ experience in a leadership role or managing a team
- Ability to manage a cross functional team.
- Aggressive and passionate individuals will be most successful in this and future roles.
- Keen sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste.
- Understanding of fashion designer labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the AEO customer both domestically and internationally.
- Excellent analytical and creative skills to challenge the planning and design sides of the organization.
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
- Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
Pay/Benefits Information
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here .
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
JOB INFO
Job Identification 15199
Job Category : Merchandising
Posting Date : 2025-07-18T20:18:58+00:00
Job Schedule : Full time
Locations : New York, NY, United States
