Assistant Merchandiser

Job Summary 

The Merchandise Assistant supports the Merchant team in executing category strategies that deliver sales, margin, and inventory goals. This role provides critical administrative and analytical support, ensuring accurate item setup, pricing, promotional execution, and reporting. The Merchandise Assistant partners cross-functionally with planning, inventory, space, and vendor teams to drive operational excellence and on-time execution of initiatives across stores and online. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Financial Targets and Strategic Planning 

• Assist in tasks to meet or exceed category financial targets aligned with the strategic plan. 

• Ensure goals and priorities align with the category strategy and merchant objectives. 

2. Team Coordination and Relationships 

• Coordinate with team members to ensure deadlines are met for resets, launches, and promotions. 

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal partners and external vendors. 

3. Category Management and Analysis 

• Support the category review process through reporting and analysis. 

• Monitor sales, receipts, and inventory to maintain appropriate profit margins. 

• Provide ad-hoc analysis on SKU and attribute performance as requested by the merchant. 

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Collaborate with planning, inventory, space, and marketing partners to execute assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. 

• Communicate updates and deliverables to cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution of readiness. 

5. Administrative and Communication Tasks 

• Maintain accuracy of item setup, cost and retail changes, and promotional pricing across systems. 

• Prepare and distribute key communications to field and store operations. 

• Assist with project tracking, buy plan updates, and documentation management. 

6. Owned Brand & Vendor Support 

• Support-owned brand and exclusive product timelines, including sample procurement, packaging reviews, and proof approvals. 

• Partner with vendors to ensure timely delivery of samples, content, and documentation for product launches. 

7. Compliance and Professional Conduct 

• Ensure all activities are performed in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. 

• Represent the company professionally in all internal and external interactions. 

Required Skills and Qualifications 

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field preferred; 1+ year of relevant retail or merchandising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Analytical Skills: Strong business acumen and ability to analyze and interpret sales and inventory data. 

• Collaboration: Proven ability to build relationships and influence cross-functional teams. 

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to learn internal systems quickly. 

• Organization: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.