Bottoms Merchant – Vertical Specialty Retailer

CHICAGO, IL

The Merchant will be responsible for growing the sales volume and profit for the bottoms category. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in specialty merchandising, retail analytics, and operational execution in both a brick-and-mortar and an e-commerce environment. Our ideal candidate has a successful track record in building winning merchandising strategies through vendor partnerships and exclusive product development. He/she must be able to consistently apply a standard of quality and taste, as well as a sense of urgency in building a market-leading assortment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Build and execute detailed annual plans (sales, margin, turn and inventory composition) that support the company’s business strategy
  • Seasonal planning of open-to-buy budget in accordance with company sales plan. Reconcile receipts to OTB plan
  • Develop, plan, and execute strategy for assortment and allocation
  • Coach and mentor Assistant Buyers to maximize sales, margins and turns
  • Leverage merchandising team’s skills at recognizing new fashion trends, items, looks, etc., early in their life cycles; maximize these opportunities
  • Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventories, and decrease markdowns
  • Compile and present financial analysis including category sell-through, margins and key product performance; recap and analyze business results versus plan
  • Develop intimate understanding of the customer. Leverage customer knowledge for product development, category, assortment, and allocation optimization
  • Ensure financial goals and timelines are met
  • Communicate necessary actions to maximize profit/reduce risk
  • You must be excited about fashion. You must be excited about new trends and constantly learning about construction, material, and other concepts regarding design.
  • You are able to (and enjoy) regular travel and meeting with vendors, producers, and others in the fast fashion industry. You can represent the brand in a positive manner.
  • You are confident and extroverted and extremely comfortable with communication, whether in person, over the phone, via Skype, or email.

REQUIREMENTS / EXPERIENCE

  • 4+ years of buying experience and product development
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising or something similar
  • Proven track record of merchandising multi-category, large SKU product lines
  • Proven ability to synthesize sales data, customer insights, competitive and market trends, and market data into merchandising strategies
  • Existing relationships with current or potential market brands and/or private label resources.
  • Ability to recognize and understand the magnitude of an opportunity and respond quickly
  • Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel, and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to grow revenue and improve profitability

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