Category Merchandising

Overview

Step into a pivotal role at a global leader in athletic apparel and footwear, partnering with one of their largest retail partners. As a Lead Merchant specializing in Women’s Apparel, you’ll shape the future of women’s fashion within this dynamic partnership. Your expertise will directly influence product assortments, drive strategic decisions, and contribute to the growth of a prominent brand within a major retail space. This is an unparalleled opportunity to merge your passion for women’s fashion with your business acumen and leave a lasting impact on the retail landscape.
This exciting role offers the chance to:

• Shape Consumer Experiences: Define and drive multi-season assortment plans that resonate with consumer preferences, market trends, and financial goals.
• Influence Strategic Decisions: Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop product assortment strategies, optimize capacity, and refine line plans.
• Foster Strong Partnerships: Build and nurture relationships with buying teams, influencing assortment strategies and delivering compelling seasonal presentations.
• Analyze and Drive Growth: Monitor business performance, analyze consumer trends, and identify market opportunities to inform strategic decisions and drive growth.
• Lead and Collaborate: Lead key seasonal meetings, present to cross-functional partners, and collaborate with planning and sales teams to optimize forecasts and investment strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute multi-season assortment plans aligned with partner growth and financial targets.
• Influence product assortment strategies and capacity planning.
• Partner with external buying teams on assortment strategies and deliver seasonal presentations.
• Analyze business performance, consumer trends, and the competitive landscape.
• Lead communications and presentations with cross-functional partners.
• Partner with planning and sales on forecasts, investment strategies, and assortment optimization.
• Manage seasonal merchandising tools and assortments.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• 5+ years of experience in Merchandising, Product Management, or Buying in Women’s Apparel for a large national retailer/brand. Strong preference for background in Women’s Athletic Apparel.
• Consumer-centric mindset and strong merchandising and retail acumen.
• Passion for and deep knowledge of Women’s fashion, trends, consumers, and the marketplace.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with Keynote, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with an external account.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $40.20 to $44.67 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.
About Aquent Talent:
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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